NC S397

Prohibits public entities from preferring one type of acceptable piping material over another in water, wastewater, or stormwater projects funded wholly or in part with State funds, unless engineering practices support using a specific material for that project.

Defines "acceptable piping material" as material meeting or exceeding standards issued by the American Society for Testing and Materials or the American Water Works Association.

Applies to public entities including State agencies, counties, cities, sanitary districts, authorities, metropolitan sewer districts, county water and sewer districts, and other political subdivisions.

Covers all project phases: studying, planning, designing, constructing, developing, financing, maintaining, rebuilding, improving, repairing, procuring, and operating water-related projects.

Becomes effective October 1, 2015.