Last Word – Americans Deserve Accurate Information about PVC Pipe for Drinking Water
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plays a critical role in modern infrastructure and everyday life.
Used safely for nearly a century, PVC provides essential benefits in applications ranging from water and sewer systems to medical devices, flooring and even automotive components, where it helps reduce fuel consumption and emissions.
For drinking water systems in particular, PVC pipe has proven to be a safe, durable and cost-effective choice, making it a cornerstone of modern water infrastructure. In fact, there are an estimated 2.5 million miles of PVC water and sewer pipelines in the United States and Canada.
As the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act allocates federal funding for upgrading underground water systems, decisions on materials will shape the future of American infrastructure. Unfortunately, misconceptions about PVC pipe have created confusion around its safety and benefits, often overlooking decades of research and real-world performance that demonstrate its reliability.
Addressing Misconceptions About PVC Pipe Safety
One of the most common misconceptions stems from the use of vinyl chloride monomer (VCM) in the production of PVC resin, the material used in the manufacture of pipes. Critics suggest that PVC pipes leach VCM into drinking water, but this claim fundamentally misunderstands PVC’s chemistry. Through polymerization, VCM molecules bond to form PVC, a chemically stable and non-toxic material. To illustrate, consider how a raw egg transforms into a hardboiled egg — it can’t revert to its original form. Similarly, PVC does not release VCM once it has undergone polymerization.
The safety of PVC piping has been thoroughly evaluated for more than 70 years by federal regulatory agencies, independent certification organizations, and scientific studies. U.S.-made PVC pipe consistently meets or exceeds rigorous safety standards established by groups like the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).
Additionally, more than 10 million water-quality tests conducted on water transported through PVC pipes have confirmed its safety, with “non-detect” levels of VCM consistently reported by NSF and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
The Performance and Sustainability of PVC Pipe
Safety is just one of PVC pipe’s many advantages. According to a Utah State University study, PVC is the most commonly used and best-performing material in America’s water systems, boasting the lowest break rate compared to other pipe materials. Its durability and immunity to corrosion give it an impressive 100-plus year service life, far outlasting legacy piping.
PVC also offers environmental benefits. Its smooth interior walls reduce pumping energy over time, minimizing energy consumption. Additionally, its production and use result in a lower carbon footprint than other piping materials, making it an environmentally responsible choice for infrastructure projects.
Worker safety is another area where the PVC market excels. The industry has a strong record of protecting workers, further highlighting its advantages as a modern piping solution.
Informed Decisions Based on Science
As America embarks on a historic effort to upgrade its water and sewer infrastructure, it’s critical to base material decisions on facts, not fear. The durability, performance and safety of PVC pipe are supported by decades of scientific research and real-world use. It remains the most sustainable and cost-effective option for modernizing America’s water systems.
Americans deserve transparent, science-based information about the materials used in critical infrastructure. Decisions on water systems should prioritize public health, environmental sustainability and long-term performance — all of which PVC delivers at a competitive price point.
The PVC pipe industry stands alone in North America for its commitment to transparency and sustainability, having completed a life cycle assessment (LCA) and environmental product declaration (EPD) in accordance with the stringent ISO 14040 and 14025 standards — widely regarded as the gold standard for environmental reporting.
Certified by NSF, the EPD confirms that PVC pipes do not release any harmful chemicals into water systems and pose no known toxicity risks during use. This rigorous certification underscores the industry’s dedication to both environmental responsibility and public health.
By cutting through the noise and focusing on facts, we can ensure that America’s infrastructure investments are grounded in safety and innovation, providing reliable, sustainable solutions for generations to come.
