ePIPE Approved in UK for In-Place Lead Pipe Lining

The UK Secretary of State has approved the use of ePIPE, a high-performance epoxy resin lining developed by Pipe Restoration Technologies, LLC, for in-situ application to public water supplies.

Using the patented ePIPE system, water pipes with an internal bore as small as 12mm, or 1/2 inch, can be restored in place with a 2-hour ready-to-return-to-service time. This makes ePIPE a practical option for water service lines where speed, minimal disruption, and long-term pipe protection are important.

A Faster Alternative to Lead Pipe Replacement

The ePIPE lining and application system provides an effective solution for water pipe communication lines, supply line replacement programs, lead remediation, and leak reduction programs.

Rather than relying solely on excavation and full pipe replacement, ePIPE can line the entire service supply line from the water main to the customer’s tap. This creates a more comprehensive and robust approach to addressing dissolved lead within drinking water supply systems.

For property owners, utilities, and municipalities, this means lead-affected or leaking pipes may be restored without the same level of digging, demolition, and disruption often associated with traditional replacement methods.

Supporting Lower Lead Levels in Drinking Water

In 2013, acceptable dissolved lead levels in the UK and EU were scheduled to be reduced from 25 ug/l, or 25 ppb, to 10 ug/l, or 10 ppb. Canada’s acceptable dissolved lead level in drinking water also follows the 10 ug/l, or 10 ppb, level. In the United States, the acceptable level is set at 15 ug/l, or 15 ppb.

Because lead can enter drinking water through lead pipes, lead fittings, and other lead-containing components within a plumbing system, solutions that address the full service line can play an important role in lead remediation planning.

ePIPE Meets UK WRAS and Regulation 31 Requirements

ePIPE is the first lining material and process of its kind to meet the stringent requirements of both the UK’s Water Regulatory Advisory Scheme, known as WRAS, and the UK’s Drinking Water Regulation 31 program.

In addition to the Regulation 31 testing regime, additional product testing was completed specifically to evaluate the lead leaching effectiveness of the ePIPE material and process. This testing proved the effectiveness of ePIPE on lead pipe and fittings containing lead.

Targeted Pipe Restoration With Less Digging

Specific properties and neighbourhoods may be targeted for remedial action using ePIPE technology. Because the process offers fast turnaround times and a limited need to dig, ePIPE can be an effective alternative to traditional dig-and-replace programs.

This is especially important for areas with aging water infrastructure, lead service lines, or water leakage concerns. In-place pipe lining can help reduce disruption to roads, landscaping, buildings, and residents while supporting safer and more reliable water delivery.

Why Lead Pipe Remediation Matters

It is estimated that 8 to 10 million properties in the UK may have lead pipes. Across the EU, approximately 25% of properties may have lead pipes, affecting an estimated 120 million people. In the United States, an estimated 38 million properties are affected by lead in piping systems.

With millions of properties potentially impacted by lead pipes and lead-containing plumbing components, solutions like ePIPE offer utilities, municipalities, and property owners another way to address lead leaching, water loss, and aging pipe infrastructure.

In-Place Pipe Lining for Public Water Supplies

The UK approval of ePIPE for in-situ application to public water supplies represents an important step for lead pipe remediation and water service line restoration. By combining a high-performance epoxy resin lining, small-bore pipe compatibility, and a 2-hour return-to-service time, ePIPE provides a practical option for restoring water pipes in place.

For lead reduction programs, leakage programs, and targeted infrastructure upgrades, ePIPE offers a less disruptive alternative to traditional pipe replacement while helping protect drinking water quality.