CHINA’S NEW WATER WAYS TAPPING INTO STAINLESS STEEL FOR LONG-TERM SOLUTIONS Leakage in water distribution systems, known as non-revenue water, has long been a big concern for global water authorities. Drinking water hygiene is also a critical challenge, particularly in developing countries and those with centuries-old infrastructure. In addition, rapid urbanisation and high-rise living present additional technical challenges for secondary water systems that need to be designed to ensure an efficient, clean water supply to the highest dwellings. In China, traditional piping materials are mostly plastic (PE, PPR) or galvanised steel and ductile iron. Water leaks and water contamination are the major issues for the old water supply systems caused by ageing or corroding pipelines made originally of inappropriate materials. Cutting water losses and reducing health risks caused by poor drinking water quality have become top priorities for the Chinese government and local water authorities. Increasingly, they are turning to the technical solution provided by stainless steel piping and fittings.
year plans. Those goals targeted significant improvements from water source-to-tap, and a budget of nearly RMB 700 billion (USD 112 billion) has been earmarked for upgrading water treatment and piping systems. The funds were spread across multiple ministries and government bodies, including the State Council, the National Development and Reform Commission, the Ministry of Water Resources, the Ministry of Environmental Protection, the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development and the Ministry of Health.
Higher quality, less leakage
The most promising material
Tubing made of nickel-containing stainless steel has been successfully used in many water distribution systems around the world. It has proved to be highly effective in resolving water loss and hygiene issues.
The economic progress of China in recent decades has enabled rapid growth of stainless steel water applications. Over the past five years, growth has been driven by massive investments and substantial favourable policies and regulations rolled out by various levels of government. Increased public awareness of the
Since 2011, China’s central government has set ambitious plans to safeguard water quality in its five
Tokyo has led the way in successfully using stainless steel partially corrugated tube (SPCT) in water service systems. Since the 1980s, the Tokyo water authority has replaced ageing water distribution systems with stainless steel piping, resulting in high water quality and a significant reduction of water leakage.
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