HDPE Pros & Cons: Practical Applications in Municipal Water Systems

Class Description:

This course will provide a practical, field-based look at the use of High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) pipe in municipal water systems. The class will cover:

• Advantages and disadvantages of HDPE compared with traditional pipe materials
• Where HDPE works well—and where it may not be the best choice
• HDPE pipe, fittings, and service connections
• Butt fusion, electrofusion, and proper fusion practices
• Installation, bedding, trenching, and handling
• Pressure testing and disinfection
• Tracer wire and locating HDPE after installation
• Common installation problems and troubleshooting
• Lessons learned from actual municipal field experience
• Questions, discussion, and real-world examples

Class Fee: $120 Members | $160 Non-Members

State Agency Approval:
Maine BLWSO: 3.0 TCHs for Water Operators (credits pending)

Speakers:

Dale Harmon, Distribution Foreman, Boothbay Region Water District

Dale Harmon has more than 27 years of hands-on experience in the water industry, working in water distribution, infrastructure projects, system maintenance, and field operations. For the past four years, Dale has also served on the Municipal Advisory Board for the Plastic Pipe Institute, giving him a broader perspective on the development, use, and challenges of plastic pipe in municipal applications.

Dale brings a practical, field-based perspective to HDPE, with extensive experience in water mains, services, repairs, installation, and fusion. His approach is straightforward: understand how something works, understand why it works, and know what to do when things don’t go according to plan.

Chris Cossette, Superintendent, Wiscasset Water District

Chris has served as the Wiscasset Water District's Superintendent since 2004. Under his leadership, the utility has made continual progress through constant operational evaluation of the system and creation of benchmarks for operational efficiencies. Chris is also one of the founding members of the Five Rivers Regional Water Council. Chris has taught many hands-on training classes for MRWA!