A national training initiative focused on high-density polyethylene water piping systems is delivering measurable benefits to municipalities by addressing critical infrastructure challenges while developing skilled workforce pipelines. The Fusion/Electrofusion of HDPE Water Piping Systems Program, sponsored by the Municipal Advisory Board, has graduated nearly 150 utility professionals and college students from 22 cities nationwide since its inception in 2021.
The program's importance stems from its direct impact on two pressing national issues: aging water infrastructure and workforce development. According to Camille George Rubeiz, P.E., co-chair of the MAB and vice president for the Plastics Pipe Institute's Municipal & Industrial Division, HDPE piping systems offer municipalities significant advantages over traditional materials. "The corrosion-proof material eliminates rust-related failures, while heat-fused connections create leak-free joints that prevent loss of non-revenue water," Rubeiz explained, referring to treated water that escapes systems before reaching customers.
This technical training translates to practical community benefits. Program participants learn methods that eliminate water loss from pipeline leaks and corrosion while reducing emergency water main breaks. The program has expanded from one annual session to four, with attendees ranging from Maine to California, reflecting growing recognition of HDPE's infrastructure advantages. The material's flexibility allows for both traditional open-cut and trenchless installation methods, minimizing property damage and road disruption during infrastructure upgrades.
Beyond infrastructure improvements, the program addresses workforce development needs by expanding beyond utility professionals to include college students preparing for infrastructure careers. Carly Wilkerson, a construction engineering student at Purdue University, praised the hands-on approach: "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 training occurs at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College in Green Bay, Wisconsin, where the 11th class was held during summer 2025 with special guests from the City of Green Bay.
Program quality receives consistent validation from participants. 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 how to improve the class, trainees responded with comments like "nothing" and "in my opinion nothing needs to change from what I experienced," according to Rubeiz.
The initiative represents a collaborative approach to infrastructure challenges, with MAB providing technical information, field reports, and expertise from cities across the country. As Rubeiz stated, "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." Utility professionals seeking information about the 2026 training schedule can find additional details at https://www.plasticpipe.org/mabpubs.
