#Canada #Alma #DIPRA #Century Club

DIPRA Induction of Alma into the Century Club

The Ductile Iron Pipe Research Association (DIPRA) has recognized the city of Alma, Quebec, as a member of its prestigious Century Club. This honor acknowledges the city’s remarkable achievement of maintaining its cast iron drinking water infrastructure for over a century. The event marks a milestone in infrastructure development, reflecting not only the durability of the materials used but also the foresighted decisions made by community leaders in the past.

During the induction ceremony held in Birmingham, Alabama, Sam Ghosn, the DIPRA Regional Director, presented a certificate to local officials, including representatives from Alma's Public Works Department. The city’s long-standing commitment to ensuring a reliable water supply through cast iron pipes—some dating back to 1925—is a testament to the importance of investing in quality infrastructure.

As noted by David Cole, President of DIPRA, Alma's induction serves as a strong reminder of the efficacy of cast iron as a material. “For more than 100 years, these pipes have quietly delivered safe, clean drinking water to homes and businesses. That is an extraordinary record of performance.” The DIPRA Century Club aims to celebrate municipalities across North America that have maintained cast iron pipes with exceptional durability and performance.

In Alma, the water distribution system comprises around 1,110 meters (approximately 3,640 feet) of cast iron pipes, which have withstood the test of time. This robust infrastructure, once regarded as the gold standard in municipal water systems since the 1800s, continues to deliver quality service. Frédéric Tremblay, Alma's Public Works Coordinator, highlighted the significance of this recognition, stating, “Being recognized by DIPRA affirms that generations before us made smart, responsible investments that continue to benefit our residents every single day.”

Today’s modern ductile iron pipes build upon the legacy of earlier cast iron systems, offering enhanced strength and flexibility while maintaining the longevity and reliability associated with cast iron. The Century Club initiative not only honors the historical endurance of these infrastructures but also advocates for continued investment in durable materials to build resilient communities.

In light of aging water systems worldwide, the recognition of Alma serves as a beacon of possibility. DIPRA’s commitment to honoring infrastructure that withstands time reflects a collective responsibility to enhance the quality of water distribution networks. With over 550 water utilities in the U.S. and more than 35 in Canada already part of the Century Club, Alma’s induction reinforces the notion that investing in resilient infrastructure remains paramount for community development.

The event also included the presentation of a commemorative plaque to city officials by Sam Ghosn, recognizing their ongoing dedication to fostering long-lasting water utilities. started in 1947, the Cast Iron Pipe Century Club celebrates water utilities with cast iron mains operational for over 100 years. Furthermore, the Sesquicentennial Club acknowledges those with pipelines exceeding 150 years of service, demonstrating the enduring legacy of cast iron pipes in North America.

As municipal entities like Alma continue to champion strong water infrastructure, they pave the way for sustainable urban living while ensuring the health and welfare of their residents. Looking ahead, the lessons learned from Alma’s experience can inspire other cities to follow suit, emphasizing quality and durability in future infrastructure developments.