Session: Metallic Corrosion in the Water and Wastewater Industries
Revisiting Polyurethanes Coatings: Establishing Design Life for Potable Water Mains (C2026-00125)
Tuesday, March 17, 2026
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM Central
Location: 372 EF
Earn .5 PDH
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Polyurethane (PUR) coatings have been used for over four decades as internal linings and external coatings for potable water mains across North America. Widely adopted for their performance in soft, aggressive water conditions and other potable water chemistries, PUR systems are often preferred over alternative technologies. Despite their long-standing use as both a coating and lining, the long-term performance of PUR remains less understood compared to other technologies. A 2006 study by the American Water Works Association Research Foundation (AWWARF) estimated epoxy design life at 40–60 years. Although PUR was included in the study, the materials evaluated did not reflect the formulations typically used in water infrastructure applications, leaving a gap and associated misunderstanding in design life estimates for PUR. This paper reviews available laboratory testing and in-field performance data for modern PUR coatings, aligning findings with the AWWARF study framework to propose more representative design life expectations. Additionally, it explores how operational factors influence coating performance, reinforcing PUR as a durable, cost-effective solution for water transmission pipelines.
