Corrosion and Australian Pipeline Infrastructure from Think Pipes

Corrosion - not age - is the problem with Australia's
water pipeline infrastructure - Think Pipes Think PVC

The majority of water piping installed in the 20th century in Australia is cast or ductile iron, which was expected to provide water utilities with 50 to 100 years of trouble-free service. Unfortunately, these pipes are susceptible to corrosion and subsequent breakage.

Most people believe that old age is the primary contributor to iron water main breaks. However, the problem isn't age. It is corrosion. Indeed, in South Australia some water mains installed in 1872 have continued to perform well.

A University of Newcastle, Australia report from Centre for Infrastructure Performance and Reliability had the below conclusion.

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