Sustainable distribution system asset management: Risk mitigation through control point management

摘要

Managing aging water infrastructure while maintaining an acceptable level of service is a growing challenge for all utilities. As a result, utilities are beginning to move toward a sustainability management approach with respect to critical infrastructure and services. The primary effort of such an approach is implementing asset management practices to achieve a degree of sustainability. However, where to begin an asset management program is often an issue, especially taking into consideration the juxtaposition of limited funds and the high expectations of elected officials. Infrastructure sustainability is desired, not just for basic compliance, but also for improved performance. To achieve excellence in sustainability management, both utility performance and financial cost factors must be fine-tuned. Achieving sustainability is measured by performance indicators that may require long lead times and a great deal of planning and effort. A fast-track practical asset management approach dealing with the top concerns of customer disruption, collateral damage, and costs can be managed through a phased risk-mitigation approach of control point management (CPM), information management, and pipe management.