Why Certified Waterworks Products are Essential for Every Infrastructure Project
Communities depend on safe, clean water for their everyday needs. This trust begins with Waterworks products, which include the pipes, fittings, and valves that make reliable water delivery possible.
Industry certifications, such as SPFA, NSF-61, and AWWA, serve as the foundation for reliability in water infrastructure. These standards ensure that every component used in treatment plants, utility systems, and distribution networks meets strict criteria for safety, performance, and longevity.
Why Waterworks Product Certification Matters
For engineers, contractors, and supply houses, certified Waterworks products provide peace of mind, as they verify that materials have been tested, fabricated, and finished according to nationally recognized standards. This translates to less rework, reduced inspection delays, and complete confidence in compliance, helping every project stay on track, on budget, and up to code.
Breaking down the key certifications
In today’s fast-moving pipe fabrication and distribution environment, early alignment is not only smart but essential. When utilities, engineers, and contractors coordinate with fabrication partners at the design stage, they unlock three major advantages:
NSF-61: Protecting water quality
NSF-61 ensures that all materials used in drinking water systems are safe and free from harmful contaminants through tests such as leaching or toxicity. It governs coatings, linings, and sealants to protect the quality of the water flowing through each pipe or fitting.
SPFA: Setting fabrication standards:
The Steel Plate Fabricators Association (SPFA) certifies fabrication processes for structural integrity and durability. Audited annually, this certification verifies that fabrication shops are maintaining proper welding procedures, inspection documentation, and quality control systems.
AWWA: Ensuring system reliability
The American Water Works Association (AWWA) develops technical standards used across the water industry. These standards (AWWA C110, C111, C151) define performance benchmarks for ductile iron pipe, fittings, and linings. When a component is AWWA-certified, it has been manufactured to perform under pressure and to maintain its strength, even in demanding environments.
As an active member of the National Association of Pipe Fabricators (NAPF), Freedom Waterworks participates in ongoing collaboration to improve fabrication processes for ductile iron. This involvement supports continuous innovation, aligning with our commitment to bring the best solutions to every project.
How to Verify Certified Waterworks Products
Knowing what to look for ensures the products you purchase meet project and safety requirements:
- Request manufacturer documentation for NSF-61, SPFA, or AWWA compliance.
- Work with suppliers who actively maintain membership and audit records with certification bodies.
- Verify coating and lining materials are certified for potable or wastewater applications.
- Check for visible certification marks on product packaging or specification sheets.
These extra steps build accountability into your process, protecting both your project and the people it serves.
Dedicated to Those We Serve
We begin with the end in mind, ensuring every pipe, fitting, and valve we produce reflects the highest standards of quality and compliance. From ductile iron to stainless steel, each component we fabricate or supply is part of a greater purpose: helping communities build dependable infrastructure that lasts.
Our commitment to certification reflects our belief that excellence is the result of focus, teamwork, and doing what’s right for every client, every time.
Explore our certified solutions:
- Ductile Iron Pipe Fabrication
- Carbon and Stainless Steel Pipe Fabrication
- Pipe Linings & Coatings
- AWWA Valves & Flow Control Solutions
Or contact our experts to discuss certified fabrication options for your upcoming bid.
📞 (713) 467-3300 | ✉️ info@freedomwaterworks.com
