Testing the reliability of polyethylene (PE) pipes.
The quality of drinking water is also a matter of the quality of the distribution networks. In order to comply with European regulations concerning the admissible lead content in drinking water (below 10 micro-grams per litre by 2013) but also with a view to public health, Lyonnaise des Eaux is replacing lead connection pipes with polyethylene pipes. Between 2 and 3 million house connections are to be replaced in France between now and the end of 2013.
In order to guarantee the optimal management of the polyethylene (PE) pipe network, CIRSEE launched a research programme in June 2006 to qualify the reliability and strength of the different plastic materials when exposed to disinfection treatments, by means of an accelerated ageing pilot installation.
Various materials are currently being tested in order to select the best products for the future, capable of meeting the requirements of our business applications and best meeting the needs of consumers.
