Which material is commonly used for potable water distribution and is a rigid plastic?

Which material is commonly used for potable water distribution and is a rigid plastic?

• A. ABS
• B. HDPE
• C. Ductile iron
• D. PVC.

Answer: (D)

For potable water distribution, the material must be approved for drinking water, resist corrosion, and be suitable for reliable jointing and installation. A rigid plastic that fits this well is PVC. PVC, or polyvinyl chloride, is stiff enough to form durable underground mains and service lines while remaining lightweight. It resists corrosion from potable water and typical additives, and its smooth interior reduces friction losses, helping maintain pressure. Joints are made with solvent cement, creating watertight, long-lasting connections. PVC comes in standard wall thicknesses to meet different pressure ratings, making it versatile for various pipe diameters. It is commonly approved for drinking water systems, especially for cold-water distribution. For hot water, CPVC is used instead, but that's a different, heat-rated plastic. Other options—HDPE is flexible, ABS is used in some systems but not as standard for potable water in many codes, and ductile iron is metal, not plastic—so PVC best fits the description of a rigid plastic used for potable water distribution.

For potable water distribution, the material must be approved for drinking water, resist corrosion, and be suitable for reliable jointing and installation. A rigid plastic that fits this well is PVC. PVC, or polyvinyl chloride, is stiff enough to form durable underground mains and service lines while remaining lightweight. It resists corrosion from potable water and typical additives, and its smooth interior reduces friction losses, helping maintain pressure. Joints are made with solvent cement, creating watertight, long-lasting connections. PVC comes in standard wall thicknesses to meet different pressure ratings, making it versatile for various pipe diameters. It is commonly approved for drinking water systems, especially for cold-water distribution. For hot water, CPVC is used instead, but that's a different, heat-rated plastic. Other options—HDPE is flexible, ABS is used in some systems but not as standard for potable water in many codes, and ductile iron is metal, not plastic—so PVC best fits the description of a rigid plastic used for potable water distribution.