Some of the factors for the increased use of plastic pipes in water distribution systems are their ease of installation and handling, durability, and good resistance to the chemicals used in water treatment, such as chlorine. In many urban areas, plastic pipes may come into contact with contaminated soils as a result of leaks from underground storage tanks, chemical spills, and improper disposal of used chemicals. These pollutants from leaking storage tanks and contaminated soils can and have posed serious threats to the longevity and structural integrity of plastic pipes and elastomeric...