Sewer asset management planning – implementation of a structured approach in wastewater utilities

Abstract

Wastewater services are fundamental for the protection of public health and environment, population well-being and sustainable development of communities. The value of urban water assets represents a major part of all public infrastructures. These assets must be managed rationally and efficiently, justifying investment priorities in a clear and straightforward way. Effective decision-making requires a comprehensive approach allowing the incorporation of desired performance at acceptable risk levels, considering investment and operational costs. Advanced sewer infrastructure asset management (IAM) is key to achieve and ensure adequate future levels of service, in issues such as flooding of urban areas, pollution prevention, balancing performance, risk and cost. The paper illustrates the integration of different support tools and methods by implementation of the AWARE-P procedure for planning IAM, demonstrated by the experience of fourteen wastewater utilities. Results showed the effectiveness of the tools and methods at different stages of the AWARE-P methodology.

Keywords:

• Infrastructure asset management
• sewer systems
• planning

Acknowledgements

The authors acknowledge the contributions from all utilities, organizations and individuals that took part in the projects AWARE-P and iGPI as well as to European Financial Mechanism (EEA Grants) for their support to the AWARE-P project. Very special thanks are due to the utilities – Águas de Coimbra and SMAS Oeiras e Amadora – for the collaboration and agreement in the use of their information and results.