AWWA JTMGT61360

The City of Asheville's water system serves approximately 48,000 accounts in the City of Asheville and the counties of Buncombe and Henderson, North Carolina. The water system includes approximately 1,200 miles of pipe and three water treatment plants. Current staffing levels for the utility are at 115. The Water Resources Department undertook the development of a comprehensive Asset Management Program in mid 2003. This multifaceted program currently being implemented includes elements for enhanced preventative maintenance, development of asset plans, development of an enhanced asset information management system, asset condition monitoring programs, and development of a refurbishment and replacement (R&R) funding plan. The initial efforts have resulted in adoption of an "asset management mindset" in almost all aspects of the operation. For instance, one outcome is the possibility of seasonal or off peak operation of one of the water treatment plants that has the potential to reduce operating costs by as much as $700,000 per year. The implementation process is being conducted by a series of employee led workgroups that are focusing on specific aspects of the utility, including preventative maintenance, asset information systems, and asset plans. These workgroups are being facilitated and supported by consultants from Brown and Caldwell. The overall effort is being guided by an Asset Management Team composed of senior Utility managers and leaders from other key City departments such as Finance and Information Systems.