HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-02-24 - AGENDA REPORTS - CPVC PIPE RESID WATER SYSTEM (2)CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
AGENDA REPORT
NEW BUSINESS City Manager Approval:
Item to be presented by:
DATE: FEBRUARY 24, 1998
SUBJECT: INFORMATION TO THE CITY COUNCIL REGARDING THE USE OF CPVC PIPE
FOR RESIDENTIAL POTABLE WATER SYSTEMS
DEPARTMENT: Transportation and Engineering Services
RECOMMENDED ACTION
That the City Council receive information.
BACKGROUND
During the Council meeting of November 25, 1997, Mr. Chuck Graham representing the CPVC
manufacturer, the BF Goodrich Company, spoke to the Council regarding this matter and encouraged
that the City take steps to allow the use of this pipe in Santa Clarita under the special provisions of
State Law.
CPVC (Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride) pipe is a plastic pipe, similar to PVC, which has been used
for residential plumbing in other parts of the country. This pipe lasts longer than conventional
galvanized steel or copper pipe, even when subjected to adverse soil and water conditions such as that
which occurs in Santa Clarita. In the last three years alone, the Building and Safety Division has
issued over 600 plumbing permits to replace and upgrade plumbing systems that have deteriorated
over time. We believe that this deterioration has occurred as a result of the damaging effects of hard
water and the mineral composition of the native soils. Although we have no scientific data or studies
that can substantiate this cause, it is the opinion of our Building Official that this is a "most likely
cause" for the majority of buildings where repiping has become necessary. Other possible causes of
water system deterioration are: faulty plumbing installations, and/or the use of substandard pipe that
does not meet industry standards of quality. Repiping work is expensive and usually an economic
burden for homeowners faced with having to do this work.
In Santa Clarita, the average He span for galvanized steel and copper water systems is about 15 to
20 years. Although copper piping seems to last longer than galvanized steel, the manufacturers of
CPVC indicate that their pipe will last much longer than either of the two. So far, all indications from
testimony by contractors who have used this pipe in other states is that CPVC does, in fact, have a
longer life span ... but the State Plumbing Code does not allow the use of CPVC for potable water
systems in California since December 31, 1997.
VERD Algenda
INFORMATION TO THE CITY COUNCIL REGARDING THE USE OF CPVC PIPE FOR RESIDENTIAL
POTABLE WATER SYSTEMS
February 24, 1998
In recent years, the Pipe Trades Council and the Copper Pipe. Institute have been aggressively
lobbying with the State in opposition of CPVC on the grounds that it is unsafe, when installed for use
with potentially unsafe, with potable water systems. Although the CPVC manufacturer states that
its product poses no significant health risks when installed and used in accordance with its
recommendations, the State is still in the Environmental Review process and will not approve its use
until the EIR process is completed.
In 1995, the State approved AB 151 (Baca) which allowed Cities to temporarily permit the use of
CPVC, conditionally, in residential construction for a two-year period ending on December 31, 1997.
The City allowed its use during this time and issued numerous permits for its installation in residential
construction. Last year, Bill 942 (Miller) was proposed to the State Legislature for extending this
deadline by three years to January 1, 2000, but was defeated in the State Assembly Appropriations
Committee. As a result, the City is no longer issuing permits for CPVC installations.
We have spoken with Mr. Chuck Graham and informed him of the City's concern with issuing CPVC
permits after December 31, 1997. Our concern is two -fold: it would be in direct violation of State
law thereby exposing us to legal action by the State or by the Copper Pipe Institute and Pipe Trades
Council who are adamantly opposed to CPVC approval. Secondly, it is a potential health risk, at
least according to the State, until the EIR is completed and cleared. We will immediately issue
permits for new CPVC installations under the provisions of the applicable Code Sections when
approved by the State.
California law contains provisions allowing Cities to modify the State Code (i.e., amending it by
allowing CPVC locally), but special findings must first be made that prove that the proposed
modifications are warranted. Certain local conditions must exist before the State Code can be
amended with technical modifications. These must relate to a natural condition occurring in the
jurisdiction, i.e., a geologic or climatic condition... but not an economic hardship to warrant the
amendment. This process can take several months and would require that we hire a consultant to
make the necessary study and findings demonstrating that problems with copper and galvanized steel
pipes are, in fact, the result of local water and/or soils conditions. As mentioned above, without these
findings, State Law prohibits any Code modifications that would legalize CPVC in Santa Clarita.
Indeed, at this time, staff does not recommend that we pursue these findings since the State's
concern is a matter of public health. A modification to the State Code for this purpose may not be
in the best interest of citizens of Santa Clarita regardless of the economic benefits of the product.
INFORMATION TO THE CITY COUNCIL REGARDING THE USE OF CPVC PIPE FOR RESIDENTIAL
POTABLE WATER SYSTEMS
February 24, 1998
ALTERNATIVE ACTIONS
N/A
FISCAL IMPACT
N/A
ATTACHMENTS
N/A
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