Every utility is at some point of change and advancement. As a utility proactively engages in industry best practices, additional cost efficiencies will accrue to the bottom line leading to a more effective, sustainable and affordable water service organization.


  • Focus on Transmission and Distribution Repair and Replacement (60% of total costs)
  • Invest in an (ESRI) GIS-Centric Approach for the Asset Registry, CMMS and Decision Analytics Software
  • Apply Hydraulic Model Optimization Technologies into Operations and Capital Planning
  • Evaluate Valve and Pipe Criticality to prioritize investments while reducing Risk
  • Maintain a high degree of Point Control Valve Operability
  • Conduct Cyclical Asset Condition Assessments
  • Annualize Water Loss Reporting and Water Audits
  • Establish Asset Monitoring and Preventative Maintenance Programs
  • Pursue Open Procurement Practices and Policies
  • Utilize Alternative Project Delivery Methods like Design Build
  • Employ Trenchless Technologies like Sliplining, Pipe Bursting, Horizontal Directional Drilling
  • Replace older pipe materials with durable, safe, corrosion free materials like PVC
  • Provide for Fixed-Asset Accounting adjustments based on updated asset inventory and valuations
  • Incorporate Long-Term Infrastructure Financial Planning to develop rate, debt, reserve financing strategies.
  • Have your staff participate in asset management training and certification programs
    • For more information go to the CTAM training weblink HERE.


 

#1 BEST PRACTICE: DEVELOP INTEGRATED ASSET MANAGEMENT PLANS

Asset Management Plans define current levels of service and the processes local governments use to manage each of their asset classes.

Plans should be developed for all major asset classes, including, but not limited to: roads, buildings, drainage, paths and parks infrastructure.

What is included in an Asset Management Plan?

  1. Reference to an asset register (which records all assets and their location, acquisition, disposal, transfer and other relevant transactions based on best current information and random condition/performance sampling).
  2. Defined levels of service for each asset category or particular actions required to provide a defined level of service in the most cost-effective manner.
  3. Demand forecasting.
  4. Risk management strategies.
  5. Financial information such as asset values, depreciation rates, depreciated values, capital expenditure projections for new assets as a result of growth, or to renew, upgrade and extend assets.
  6. Strategies to manage any funding gaps.
  7. Consideration of alternative service delivery solutions (leasing, private/public partnerships, shared services arrangements).
  8. Information on ‘whole of life’ costing including changes in service potential for assets.
  9. A schedule for asset performance review and plan evaluation.
  10. An asset management improvement program.
  11. Clear linkages to other strategic documents such as the Corporate Business Plan, Long Term Financial Plan and Annual Budget.

Best Practices

IMPLEMENT BEST PRACTICES FOR SUSTAINABLE & AFFORDABLE WATER SERVICES