The Fusion/Electrofusion of HDPE Water Piping Systems Program, sponsored by the Municipal Advisory Board, is demonstrating significant impact on municipal water infrastructure by training utility professionals in advanced piping techniques. The program teaches proper methods for fusion and electrofusion of high-density polyethylene piping systems for potable and wastewater applications, creating seamless, leak-free connections that address critical infrastructure challenges.
Since its inception in 2021, the program has graduated nearly 150 utility professionals and college students from 22 cities nationwide, expanding from one to four annual sessions. Camille George Rubeiz, P.E., co-chair of the MAB and vice president for PPI's Municipal & Industrial Division, noted the program's rapid growth, with attendees ranging from Maine to California. The training addresses a fundamental shift in municipal water infrastructure, as HDPE systems offer corrosion-proof material that eliminates rust-related failures and prevents loss of non-revenue water—treated water that escapes the system before reaching customers.
The program's expansion to include college students preparing for infrastructure careers represents a strategic investment in workforce development. Carly Wilkerson, a construction engineering student at Purdue University, emphasized the value of hands-on learning and team collaboration during the training. This educational approach bridges the gap between academic preparation and practical field application, creating a pipeline of skilled professionals ready to address aging water infrastructure.
HDPE piping systems provide municipalities with multiple advantages over traditional materials. The flexibility of HDPE allows for both traditional open cut and trenchless installation methods, minimizing property damage and road disruption during infrastructure upgrades. This technical advantage translates to reduced community disruption and lower overall project costs for municipalities undertaking water system improvements. The training program, held at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College in Green Bay, Wisconsin, leverages expert instructors with decades of field experience to deliver this critical knowledge.
During the summer of 2025, the 11th training class featured special guests from the City of Green Bay, with Mayor Eric Genrich accepting a certificate of appreciation for the city's support of workforce development programs. Participant feedback consistently highlights the program's quality, with trainees citing hands-on instruction from experienced professionals and describing the curriculum as both informational and engaging. When asked for improvement suggestions, trainees responded with comments like "nothing" and "in my opinion nothing needs to change from what I experienced."
The program's impact extends beyond technical training to broader community benefits. By reducing water loss through leak-free systems and preventing emergency water main breaks, municipalities can achieve significant cost savings and improved service reliability. The MAB has committed to continuing this initiative to save communities water, reduce water breaks, enhance workforce skills, and build resilient water systems. Additional information about the training program is available at https://www.plasticpipe.org/mabpubs. The organization provides technical information, field reports, and expertise from cities across the country to support the design and installation of sustainable HDPE water piping systems, representing a comprehensive approach to modernizing America's water infrastructure.
