Water Distribution Systems: Management Innovations for Operations and Sustainability

Learn more about the application of innovative practices for asset management and distribution system operations.

Managing the operation and maintenance of drinking water distribution systems faces many obstacles because the systems have dispersed layouts with many buried aging components of uncertain condition. They have multiple access points that cause operational conditions and security issues, and they require costly and disruptive repairs when they fail, often with heavy losses to customers and embarrassing consequences for utilities. Given the massive capital expenses required to replace old pipes, creative utility managers, vendors, and consultants have developed advanced management practices for older systems that include digitalization and intelligent systems, water loss auditing and control procedures, hydraulic and water quality models, digital twins for operations, and protocols to manage infrastructure that include asset management and condition assessment, prioritization methods to select pipes for renewal, and pipe break simulation models. This presentation will report on how these management practices were developed and how they are being implemented. After attending, you will be able to identify promising operational technologies and methods, assess their feasibility for utilities and clients, and learn where and how to obtain the essential equipment and training to initiate implementation and trials. Utilities will be able to benchmark their own progress in implementing new technologies and methods, consultants will learn about new approaches to serve their clients, and vendors will be able to identify new market opportunities.

Faculty

Neil S. Grigg

Colorado State University