The Village of Saguenay installed its initial 6-inch cast iron pipe in the downtown district back in 1907, and that same line continues to operate safely and effectively today.

"The Village of Saguenay demonstrated remarkable vision by selecting cast iron pipes for its drinking water network more than a century ago, underscoring the value of robust infrastructure," noted DIPRA President David Cole. "Numerous communities throughout Canada and the United States still depend on cast iron pipes to supply clean, safe drinking water. Many opt for Ductile iron - the contemporary equivalent of cast iron - during replacement projects. Ductile iron stands unmatched in strength, resilience, and service life, which is why engineers and water experts select it when designing systems for the century ahead."

"Repairs on this pipeline are seldom required," observed Gabriel Grenon, Chief of the Division of Environmental, Health, and Parks. "Cast iron pipe offers exceptional strength and longevity."

Established in 1947, the Cast Iron Pipe Century Club publicly acknowledges water utilities whose cast iron mains have delivered service for at least 100 years. More than 550 utilities in the United States and over 35 in Canada belong to DIPRA's Century Club. DIPRA further recognizes a Sesquicentennial Club, currently including 27 U.S. utilities and five Canadian utilities whose cast iron lines have remained in service beyond 150 years.

About DIPRA

Since its founding in 1915, the Ductile Iron Pipe Research Association (DIPRA) has functioned as a technical resource for the water sector. The organization participates in standards development and conducts research on practical applications. Although DIPRA member firms operate under varied names and in different regions, they unite in their dedication to manufacturing and supplying the highest-quality water and wastewater piping - Ductile iron pipe - while delivering maximum value to customers.