Celebrating Florence's Legacy in Cast Iron Water Infrastructure

Author: Owen Jenkins Updated: 08-13-2025 10:15 AM

Cast Iron Pipe Century Club Welcomes New Members

The Ductile Iron Pipe Research Association (DIPRA) has officially welcomed the City of Florence into the prestigious Cast Iron Pipe Century Club. This organization celebrates the long-lasting integrity of cast iron drinking water pipes, recognizing the durability and efficiency of this traditional infrastructure.

A Tribute to Historical Planning and Engineering

"The visionary engineers and planners who first installed cast iron pipes in Florence over a century ago deserve recognition for their exceptional foresight," stated DIPRA President David Cole. "The Water Department's ongoing commitment to using Ductile iron pipes underscores their dedication to maintaining a reliable water supply. Ductile iron has been proven to be the most resilient material, ensuring long-term safety and health for both public and private utilities."

Florence's Historic Water Infrastructure

According to city records, Florence's Water Department originally installed a 6-inch cast iron water main between 1880 and 1890. Remarkably, a portion of this pipe remains operational today, serving as a testament to the quality of materials used in the past.

Water Department Manager Tad Cole expressed pride in this achievement, stating, "This recognition not only honors the robust materials used historically but also celebrates our current and past employees. The ongoing service of cast iron and Ductile iron pipelines allows us to provide clean, safe drinking water to our citizens for generations to come."

Over 500 Utilities Recognized

The Cast Iron Pipe Century Club was established in 1947 to honor water utilities with cast iron mains that have been in service for 100 years or more. In total, more than 550 water utilities in the United States and 35 in Canada have achieved membership in DIPRA's Century Club. Additionally, DIPRA supports a special Cast Iron Pipe Sesquicentennial Club, recognizing utilities that have employed cast iron pipes for over 150 years.

About DIPRA

Since its inception in 1915, the Ductile Iron Pipe Research Association (DIPRA) has been committed to serving as a key resource and technical advisor for the water industry. Beyond providing technical research and representation on various standards committees, DIPRA ensures that its member companies deliver the highest quality Ductile Iron Pipe materials to their customers. This dedication extends to achieving the best value for those purchasing these critical water infrastructure components.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of the Cast Iron Pipe Century Club?

The club recognizes water utilities with cast iron mains that have been operational for 100 years or more, highlighting their durability and historical significance.

How does DIPRA contribute to water quality?

DIPRA provides technical support, research, and advocacy for the use of high-quality Ductile Iron Pipe in water delivery systems.

What materials does DIPRA focus on?

DIPRA specializes in promoting Ductile Iron Pipe materials, known for their resilience and reliability in water infrastructure.

Who can become a member of the Century Club?

Any water utility that has cast iron mains in service for over 100 years can apply for membership in the Century Club.

How many utilities are part of the Century Club?

There are over 550 water utilities in the United States and 35 in Canada that are part of the DIPRA's Century Club.

About The Author

Hi there I'm 38-year-old author and financial consultant Owen Jenkins. Having worked in the financial sector for more than ten years, I am well-versed in the subtleties and complexity that mold our financial environment. Following a degree in finance, I worked in a number of financial institutions honing my abilities in market analysis, financial planning, and investment strategies.

My love is teaching others about investing and personal finance. My goal in writing many books and articles has been to demystify financial ideas and give readers the information they need to make wise financial decisions. I write with a direct, useful style that emphasizes doable suggestions for daily living.

Along with writing, I lead webinars and seminars where I impart knowledge on how to successfully negotiate the financial world. I also write for financial journals and show up as a guest expert on financial news programs a lot. Whether they are new to investing or want to improve their approach, my mission is to enable people to take charge of their financial futures.

Beyond work, I like to hike, play the guitar, and spend time with my family. I think that balance is crucial and want to encourage people to strike a balance between their financial aspirations and their hobbies. I want to help people succeed and achieve financial security through my work, so having a good influence.

Contact Owen Jenkins privately here. Or send an email with ATTN: Owen Jenkins as the subject to contact@investorshangout.com.

About Investors Hangout

Investors Hangout is a leading online stock forum for financial discussion and learning, offering a wide range of free tools and resources. It draws in traders of all levels, who exchange market knowledge, investigate trading tactics, and keep an eye on industry developments in real time. Featuring financial articles, stock message boards, quotes, charts, company profiles, and live news updates. Through cooperative learning and a wealth of informational resources, it helps users from novices creating their first portfolios to experts honing their techniques. Join Investors Hangout today: https://investorshangout.com/

The content of this article is based on factual, publicly available information and does not represent legal, financial, or investment advice. Investors Hangout does not offer financial advice, and the author is not a licensed financial advisor. Consult a qualified advisor before making any financial or investment decisions based on this article. This article should not be considered advice to purchase, sell, or hold any securities or other investments. If any of the material provided here is inaccurate, please contact us for corrections.