In Arizona, summer heat is more than an inconvenience. While most people focus on keeping cool or managing high electricity bills, contractors are focused on how the region’s intense heat places incredible strain on critical Arizona infrastructure beneath the surface that keeps our daily lives moving.
As temperatures soar past 110 degrees with no sign of letting up, Arizona’s buried systems face constant pressure. Water lines, factories and power stations all work quietly out of sight, yet play a vital role in keeping the desert livable.
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Planning for tough conditions
At PPS, we design and maintain systems that regularly perform under some of the harshest conditions in the country. Every decision starts with longevity in mind. Materials that succeed in cooler climates often fail in Arizona’s dry and relentless heat, forcing us to rely on coatings and pipes that are built to resist heat-related material breakdown.
Even underground, the heat has an impact. Hot soil affects the flow, pressure and stability of surrounding materials. Accounting for these variables during the design stage helps prevent breakdowns and ensures systems remain dependable down the road when summer temperatures inevitably rise.
Putting safety first for workers
The people who build and maintain Arizona’s infrastructure work in some of the most challenging conditions. Before the work begins, the environment itself pushes our crew to bring their best.
Our main priority at PPS is to keep our crews safe, especially throughout the summer. We supply cooling trailers at job sites, give workers frequent breaks and provide heat safety training before the season begins. The PPS team consumes more than 3,000 gallons of water every three weeks during the summer months to stay hydrated. Arizona’s skilled workforce makes this work possible, and their safety should remain top priority.
Looking ahead as summers intensify
Longer, hotter summers are becoming the norm in the Southwest. That makes it even more important to build infrastructure that can handle these conditions now and in the future.
Developers and municipalities are investing in smarter materials and designs that adapt to temperature changes and reduce the risk of damage. These upgrades help avoid service disruptions, extend the lifespan of critical systems and save money on costly repairs. When these structures hold up, the water keeps flowing and power stays on during the hottest days of the year.
Balancing growth and sustainability
As Arizona grows into a hub for data centers and technology, the demand for resources keeps increasing. In a state where conserving water is crucial, sustainability starts underground.
Solutions like reclaimed water systems, closed water loops and air-cooled equipment help reduce strain on water supplies while maintaining high performance. At PPS, we work with engineers to bring these systems to life using durable materials that align with Arizona’s evolving sustainability standards.
The people behind Arizona infrastructure
Strong infrastructure depends on the people who make it possible. Trade workers adapt to new standards, solve problems on site and carry out essential work that often goes unnoticed but supports everyone’s daily lives.
As another record summer unfolds, Arizona must continue to invest in infrastructure that can keep up with the climate. The strength of our communities depends on what happens below the surface. With careful planning and a committed workforce, we can keep these vital systems running no matter how high the heat climbs.
Author: Andrew Goodwin is President at PPS, Arizona’s “one stop shop” industrial piping company specializing in the fabrication, maintenance, installation and project management of piping systems. To learn more, visit www.ppsphx.com.
