POLYETHYLENE PIPE SYSTEMS

WRc plc and the BPF's Plastic Pipes Group are pleased to welcome you to this, the first electronic, edition of the Polyethylene Pipe Systems Manual.

The Manual was first produced in hardcopy by WRc with the plastics pipes manufacturers, polymer resin suppliers and the UK Water Industry in 1986. At that time the use of Medium Density Polyethylene for water supply pipes was a new development. After extensive research by the plastics pipes and water industries, High Performance Polyethylene pipes were introduced in the 1990's and the second edition of the Manual was introduced in 1994 to reflect the changes associated with this new product.

Now in 2002, the Manual has been updated to reflect changes in technology and also the move towards European Standardisation. This manual draws together guidance on the use of PE pipe for the UK water industry. However, much of the guidance is applicable to the use of PE pipe for the conveyance of water by other industries and in locations outside of the UK.