A national training initiative focused on modern water piping systems is delivering measurable benefits to municipalities by addressing critical infrastructure challenges while creating career pathways for utility professionals and students. The Fusion/Electrofusion of HDPE Water Piping Systems Program, which has graduated nearly 150 participants from 22 cities since its 2021 inception, provides hands-on instruction in advanced piping techniques that directly combat water loss and infrastructure deterioration.
Sponsored by the Municipal Advisory Board, an independent adviser to the Plastics Pipe Institute's Municipal & Industrial Division, the program teaches utility technicians, operators, inspectors, and engineers proper methods for installing high-density polyethylene piping systems. According to Camille George Rubeiz, P.E., co-chair of the MAB and vice president for PPI's Municipal & Industrial Division, the program has expanded from its initial offering to four annual sessions serving participants nationwide. "Our first training session was in 2021," Rubeiz explained, "and has grown in a very short time to where we have attendees ranging from Maine to California."
The training's importance stems from HDPE piping's significant advantages over traditional materials in municipal water systems. The corrosion-proof material eliminates rust-related failures that plague aging infrastructure, while heat-fused connections create leak-free joints that prevent loss of non-revenue water—treated water that escapes the system before reaching customers. This directly addresses the estimated 2.1 trillion gallons of treated water lost annually in the United States due to leaking pipes. Additionally, HDPE's flexibility allows installation using both traditional open-cut and trenchless methods, minimizing property damage and community disruption during infrastructure upgrades.
Held at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College in Green Bay, Wisconsin, the program has expanded beyond current utility professionals to include college students preparing for infrastructure careers. Carly Wilkerson, a construction engineering student at Purdue University, emphasized the value of practical experience: "The best way to learn was through hands-on experiences. The team aspect of the training was extremely vital in our continuous improvement throughout the process." The program's 11th class during summer 2025 included special recognition for the City of Green Bay, with Mayor Eric Genrich accepting a certificate of appreciation for the city's support of workforce development initiatives.
Program feedback consistently highlights the quality of instruction and curriculum design. Trainees cite "hands-on training with instructors who have 25+ years of experience" and note the curriculum is "informational and fun at the same time." When asked for improvement suggestions, participants responded with comments like "nothing" and "in my opinion nothing needs to change from what I experienced," according to Rubeiz.
The initiative represents a strategic approach to multiple infrastructure challenges simultaneously. By training professionals in modern piping techniques, communities can reduce emergency water main breaks, conserve treated water resources, and develop local workforce capabilities. As Rubeiz noted, "MAB and our members will continue this initiative to save communities water, defeat numerous water breaks, add skills to grow the local workforce and build a resilient water system." The program provides technical information, field reports, and expertise from municipalities across the country to support resilient and sustainable water system design and installation. Additional information about the training program is available at https://www.plasticpipe.org/mabpubs.
