HDPE Water Pipe
This information reflects our best understanding of product composition in 2021.
High density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe has numerous applications in areas related to potable water, irrigation, mining, and sewage. For use in municipal potable water applications, HDPE pipes offer protection from both oxidation & UV...
High density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe has numerous applications in areas related to potable water, irrigation, mining, and sewage. For use in municipal potable water applications, HDPE pipes offer protection from both oxidation & UV degradation. The HDPE polymer has less molecular branching than low density polyethylene, resulting in a more dense and rigid polymer with decreased permeability to gases. HDPE resins are designed to impart physical properties that can be specific to different product types. The resin used in most HDPE potable water pipes is PE 4710. PE 4710 has increased tensile strength, stiffness, as well as chemical resistance against corrosion. Additionally, PE 4710 is approved for use in potable water applications through the NSF/ANSI 61 standard (which addresses the human health effects of drinking water materials) and NSF/ANSI 372 (which limits lead content in these materials to 0.25% or less). Performance requirements fall under standards from organizations such as ASTM (American Society for Testing Materials) and AWWA (American Water Works Association). Like other polymer water pipes in its class, chemicals may leach from HDPE water pipes into the potable water stream. Leaching is a concern when chlorine (which is used in as a disinfectant in water supplies) strips away protective antioxidants, enabling antioxidant degradants to "leach" into the water line. See the Process Chemistry tab for additional information on leachants.
The historical version of this CP can be found here: https://pharos.habitablefuture.org/common-products/2209595