Condition Assessment Planning Hinges On Knowledge And Understanding Of Key Objectives And Budget

Across the world many utilities are facing challenges of aging infrastructure in their drinking water distribution systems. To be able to continue to serve their communities and customers, utilities have been putting an increasing emphasis on effective asset management planning for sustainable asset management. To build an asset management plan that allocates spending efficiently to areas that need it and defers for areas that do not, an understanding of current asset condition is necessary.

That is where condition assessment comes in, particularly when it comes to distribution networks where the assets are buried, and visual or operational assessments are not possible. Condition assessment is critical to ensuring that utilities are not replacing pipe that has many years left in service while other pipes are left in the ground that need replacement. Time and time again, the efficiency of replacement programs has seen an improvement by capitalizing on condition assessment tools, technologies, and services whether it is quantified by dollars not spent replacing good pipes or by reduced replacement expenditure or other social, economic, and environmental benefits.