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    RELEASED MAY 29, 2009 A summary titled, AWWA Pipe Standards Status. It is available for your review, download and printing.

STI/SPFA MEMBERS - PIPE SECTION 
The Steel Plate Fabricators Association (SPFA) is a joint organization with the Steel Tank Institute, or STI/SPFA.  It is a national organization serving the water market since 1916 as developers of standards and certification programs for quality, safety, and reliability in the manufacture and testing of steel piping, tanks and pressure vessels.  

STI/SPFA members build steel water pipe that meets or exceeds the requirements of ASCE, AWWA, SWPMTAC and all industry Standards for water transmission. The welded steel pipe built by members is available in diameters up to 180 inches under either internal or external pressure.

STI/SPFA members are actively involved in standards development activities, and have written several design manuals, developed design software and are actively involved in research projects testing joint efficiencies, and developing recommendations for coating procedures on internal welds after backfill is in place.The STI/SPFA Pipe Technical Library can be accessed by STI/SPFA Pipe Section Members.

The Pipe Quality Audit Certification Program is a major accomplishment achieved by many STI/SPFA pipe fabricators. An Application to become a Certified Pipe  Quality Program Member is posted at left and available here.

The STI/SPFA Pipe Quality Certification is a requirement in most piping specifications in the United States water transmission industry.  Unlike other international certification programs, the STI/SPFA program addresses quality assurance and control, lining and coating operations, and equipment and welding procedures specific to steel water piping.  The certification process also evaluates a company's management, organization, engineering and procurement practices.

The audit program is administered through a third-party quality assurance organization and requires rigorous annual inspection and re-certification every three years.  By requiring STI/SPFA certification, owners and engineers can have confidence that their pipe and fittings will conform to both the defined requirements of the specifications and the intent of a quality product.

Steel Water Pipe Pictures
View this PowerPoint presentation for more information and photographs of recent steel pipe installation projects.