Developing a Condition Assessment Program for a Multi-Service Utility

The City of Henderson Department of Utility Services (DUS) serves a population of approximately 315,000 and provides three services to its customers: potable water treatment and distribution, wastewater collection and treatment, and reclaimed water distribution. A Condition Assessment Program was initiated in 2011 and developed to evaluate infrastructure owned by the City, at the Facility or Unit Process level and down to the individual assets. The Condition Assessment Program is a way to verify the integrity of existing infrastructure and identify future financial needs relating to asset renewal activities. Findings from the Condition Assessment Program are formalized in Asset Management Plans which are used as references and shared with DUS staff. The Condition Assessment Program created an unbiased decision-making matrix to identify and prioritize future projects based on risk to DUS and the City. Overall, the Condition Assessment Program provides the basis for long term financial planning for the DUS.