Leveraging Asset Management in Master Planning for Comprehensive Sewer and Water Management Plans

The United States Environmental Protection Agency estimated the cost of capital investment that is required to maintain and upgrade drinking-water and wastewater systems across the U.S. in 2010 as $91 billion. However, only $36 billion was funded, leaving a capital funding gap of nearly $55 billion. This funding gap is forecasted to grow to $84 billion in 2020 and $144 billion in 2040 (American Society of Civil Engineers, 2011). Clearly, aging infrastructure is a top priority for utilities.Asset management is becoming a vital part of the solution to balance cost, risk and level of service through utility planning that incorporates logical decision making framework and transparent forecasting of renewing aging assets. The importance of asset management in utility planning will grow as infrastructure ages and utility resources continue to be limited.The City of Vista, California leveraged asset management as part of master planning efforts to achieve a Comprehensive Sewer Management Plan. Similarly, Vista Irrigation District and Padre Dam Municipal Water District are leveraging asset management tools in planning to forecast potable water distribution system aging infrastructure needs and plan distribution system condition assessment programs.