Benchmark Tools Available From Other Countries and Industries Can Help Water and Waste Water Utilities Manage Assets More Effectively

Wastewater and water utilities in the United States are challenged by increasing costs and escalating demands from customers and regulatory agencies to reduce risks and improve service. In addition, there is a growing realization that utility assets such as pipelines, no matter how long-lived, must be proactively managed. In the United States, asset management concepts and processes are rapidly evolving. Although a number of techniques and tools exist to support and effectively implement asset management programs, utilities are struggling to identify, evaluate and select those most appropriate for their specific needs. Many utilities are actively pursuing their implementation and can learn from the past ten years of experience in Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom.This paper outlines a template of the best management practices is asset management currently being used by Australian, New Zealand and United Kingdom utilities as well as tools used in the United States Air Force and the Oil and Gas Pipeline business.