A national guideline to manage water supply and sewerage assets

IPWEA Condition Assessment and Asset Performance Guideline

The Institute of Public Works Engineering Australasia (IPWEA) identified a gap in the practical advice available to the water and sewerage utilities sector to help manage assets. IPWEA engaged us to develop a Water Supply and Sewerage Condition Assessment and Performance Guideline that would be applicable to a utility provider of any size.

We collaborated with stakeholders to design the practical framework to encourage consistent asset data collection and outputs for Australian use. Developing an asset condition and performance assessment strategy requires multiple steps including applying a risk-based prioritisation process, information management, rating systems for condition assessment, asset inspection processes, data analysis, and how to prioritise remedial actions.

The resulting three-level condition assessment outlines the routine operation and maintenance data assessment, a formalised asset inspection process, and a detailed investigation of the asset. A risk-based renewals forecasting tool also accompanies the guideline.

To promote adoption of the IPWEA initiative, we held workshops in Queensland and New South Wales for water utility teams.

The complete guideline continues to be used across Australia and is recommended by IPWEA to all members that follow asset management practices.