DIPRA Induces Goshen Water Department into the Esteemed Century Club

Celebrating a Century of Reliability: Goshen's Water Department Joins Century Club

On September 3, 2025, a significant milestone was reached by the City of Goshen, Indiana. The Ductile Iron Pipe Research Association, known as DIPRA, graciously welcomed the city's Water Department into its esteemed Century Club. This honorary group celebrates water utilities that demonstrate the enduring strength and resilience of cast iron pipes in their drinking water systems, particularly those that have remained operational for 100 years or longer.

DIPRA’s recognition is not just ceremonial; it highlights an enviable track record that Goshen has maintained since it began laying cast iron pipes back in 1890. The water distribution network in Goshen features a healthy blend of traditional cast iron and modern Ductile iron pipes. This combination has played a pivotal role in maintaining stable system pressure across two pressure zones, successfully resulting in fewer than 20 water main breaks each year.

The induction ceremony saw Paul Hanson, a regional engineer from DIPRA, present a certificate to Dustin Sailor, the Director of Public Works and Utilities, along with Marvin Shepherd, the Water and Sewer Superintendent for the city. The gesture marks a recognition of a particular section of 6-inch cast iron pipes that have been in service since as early as 1895, showcasing the invaluable materials that consistently function to provide safe and clean drinking water to the community.

David Cole, president of DIPRA, emphasized the historical significance of cast iron pipes, stating, "The legacy of cast iron drinking water pipes cannot be overstated. Thousands of communities throughout our country have clean, safe drinking water due to these pipes." He commended the original city planners for their foresight in selecting robust materials available during the 1890s. He also praised the present-day leaders for choosing to maintain the use of cast iron while adopting modern enhancements.

Goshen's reliability in maintaining a high-performing water system involves diligent monitoring, which is crucial given the age and implementation of older pipes. The city employs sophisticated leak detection equipment to manage and mitigate non-revenue water loss, ensuring that they continually provide quality service to their residents.

Dustin Sailor expressed pride in this recognition, stating, "The Goshen Water Utility is honored to be inducted into DIPRA's Century Club. We view this induction as a testament to our unwavering commitment to a reliable product and its years of maintainability and continuous operation, ensuring our community has access to clean and safe drinking water for generations to come."

The Century Club is not a novel concept; it was established in 1947 to honor water utilities with operational cast iron mains that have served for a century or more. Currently, there are over 550 water utilities in the United States and 35 in Canada that have joined this distinguished association. Additionally, DIPRA offers membership in the Sesquicentennial Club for utilities that have maintained cast iron pipelines for over 150 years — a club that boasts 27 U.S. members and 5 from Canada.

About DIPRA

Founded in 1915, the Ductile Iron Pipe Research Association (DIPRA) functions as an invaluable resource and technical advisor for the water industry. This organization plays a critical role in participating in standards-making committees and conducting exhaustive technical research across various application-based topics. While its member companies may vary in name and location, they share a unified commitment to producing and delivering premium quality water and wastewater pipe materials, specifically Ductile Iron Pipe, at optimal value for their purchasers.

In conclusion, the induction of Goshen into the Century Club not only honors the historical legacy of cast iron pipes but also underlines the critical importance of preserving infrastructure that guarantees the future of reliable drinking water. As communities reflect on their past and plan for the future, Goshen stands as a proud example of how dedication, foresight, and quality materials can create a sustainable water system for all.