The Fusion/Electrofusion of HDPE Water Piping Systems Program, sponsored by the Municipal Advisory Board (MAB), has trained nearly 150 utility professionals and college students from 22 cities since its inception in 2021. The program teaches proper methods for heat-fusing high-density polyethylene (HDPE) piping, creating seamless, leak-free connections that eliminate joint failures common in traditional systems. This training directly addresses critical issues such as non-revenue water loss—treated water that escapes before reaching customers—and emergency water main breaks caused by corrosion.
Camille George Rubeiz, P.E., co-chair of the MAB and vice president for the Plastics Pipe Institute's Municipal & Industrial Division, noted the program's rapid growth: 'We have attendees ranging from Maine to California, and have increased the number of sessions to four a year.' The training is held at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College (NWTC) in Green Bay, Wisconsin, and led by expert instructors. The 11th class in summer 2025 included special guests from the City of Green Bay, where Mayor Eric Genrich accepted a certificate of appreciation for the city's support of workforce development.
The program has expanded beyond utility professionals to include college students. 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.' HDPE piping offers significant advantages over aging infrastructure; its corrosion-proof material eliminates rust-related failures, and its flexibility allows for trenchless installation, minimizing property damage and road disruption.
Rubeiz emphasized the program's impact: 'Not only is this program training a community's infrastructure workforce, but it is also gratifying to hear feedback from participants that consistently reconfirms the program's high quality.' Trainees have praised the hands-on training with experienced instructors and noted that the curriculum is 'informational and fun.' When asked for improvements, participants said 'nothing' needs to change. MAB and its members aim to continue this initiative to save water, reduce breaks, and build a resilient water system. More information on the 2026 training schedule is available at www.plasticpipe.org/mabpubs.
