A Long-Term Commitment to Pipeline Infrastructure: Implementing, Funding, and Delivering the San Diego County Water Authority's Asset Management Program

The San Diego County Water Authority operates and maintains the San Diego region's aqueduct delivery system, which consists of approximately 483 km (300 mi) of large-diameter pipelines, more than 1,400 aqueduct-related structures, and more than 100 flow-control facilities. These facilities occupy approximately 567 ha (1,400 acres) within the Water Authority's right of way and deliver water to more than 3 million residents. With a significant proportion of its infrastructure approaching the end of its useful life, the Water Authority embarked on an effort to strategically manage its assets over the long term. This commitment will ensure it maintains its mission of providing a safe and reliable supply of water to the San Diego region via its 24 member agencies. This paper will examine the steps taken by the Water Authority to establish an asset management program, including how it classifies and manages asset groups. It will describe, using a risk-based approach, how priority projects are identified and funded. The paper will also discuss the methods used and complexities involved with delivering the projects to ensure a sustainable approach is taken to managing pipeline infrastructure.