AWWA JAW64486

Much has been written about the infrastructure "crisis" facing water and wastewater utilities. Today's utility managers and governing board members are in a position to mobilize and sustain proactive investments in utility infrastructure asset management to prevent catastrophic or disastrous conditions from developing. When asset management initiatives are grouped into a coherent risk management program, it is possible to see the connections between a given level of capital replacement and the necessary repair, rehabilitation, and condition assessment. In turn, board members can better appreciate risk management and begin to make the case for ramping up key expenditures. In addition to providing a risk management framework, asset management is a continuous improvement process that facilitates knowledge transfer from one generation of managers and board members to the next. It also provides direction for research and development of repair and replacement technologies and a better understanding of sustainable service levels. Includes 12 references, figures.