ePIPe lead pipe remediation technology approved by UK’s Secretary of State

UK’s Secretary of State has approved the use of ePIPE, a high performing epoxy resin lining developed by Pipe Restoration Technologies, LLC, for in-situ application to public water supplies. Water pipes having an internal bore, as small as 12mm (1/2”), can be restored, in-place, with a 2 hour ready to return to service time using the patented ePIPE system.

The ePIPE lining and system of application provides an effective answer to water pipe communication or supply line replacement for either lead or leakage programmes. Lining the entire service supply lines from the water main to the customers tap, the ePIPE process provides a more comprehensive and robust solution to tackling the dissolved lead issue within the drinking water supply. In 2013, the acceptable dissolved lead levels in the UK and the EU will be reduced from 25 ug/l (25 ppb) to 10 ug/l (10 ppb). Acceptable dissolved lead levels in drinking water in Canada follow the 10 ug/l (10 ppb ) level. The acceptable level in the US is set at 15 ug/l (15 ppb).

ePIPE is the first lining material and process of its kind to meet the stringent requirements of both UK’s Water Regulatory Advisory Scheme (WRAS) and the UK’s Drinking Water Regulation 31 program. In addition to the Reg. 31 testing regime, additional product testing was completed, specific to lead leaching effectiveness of the ePIPE material and process, proving the effectiveness of ePIPE on lead pipe and fittings containing lead.

Specific properties and neighbourhoods may be targeted for remedial action with use of the ePIPE technology. Fast turnaround times and limited need to dig make ePIPE an effective alternative to dig and replacement programs.

It is estimated that some 8 to 10 million properties in the UK may have lead pipes, and that overall 25% of properties in the EU may have lead pipes, affecting an estimated 120 million people in the EU. It is estimated that some 38 million properties in the US are affected by lead in piping systems.

About ePIPE

The patented ePIPE process involves restoring pipes in-place, with an application of an epoxy barrier coating resulting in a restored epoxy lined piping system. The process provides for a solution for pinhole leaks, epoxy lining, corrosion control and prevention of lead leaching from pipes for both commercial and residential piping systems. ePIPE service providers are located in the US, Canada, UK, Mexico, Europe and Russia. ePIPE products are sold under the brand names PurPipe®, Nu Pipe™ and ePIPE®.