The Latest Asset Management Software Helps Seattle Public Utilities Plan Ahead

Background

Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is a public utility agency for Seattle, Washington, which provides water, sewer, and drainage services for 1.3 million people in King County.

Positioning a plan for proactivity

SPU is forward thinking, with a desire to be more proactive in their pipe inspection rather than reactive with emergency response. Through a concerted effort, SPU developed a strategy for pipe inspection, condition evaluation, risk assessment, capital investment, and implementation planning. The strategy stressed a particular focus on incorporating service equity, increasing efficiencies, securing staffing for implementation, and preparing for adaptive management.

Looking at the big picture

SPU had a strong goal in mind: to be more proactive in their risk assessment strategy than reactive. They wanted to develop and secure funding for a long-term rehabilitation plan for their aging sewer system using innovative asset management software. As they had a lot of older sewer pipes, they wanted to look at their network holistically, and increase sewer pipe rehab efforts.