Ahead of the Curve: Lake Huron and Elgin Area Water Systems Develop Their Asset Management Program

The Lake Huron Water System and Elgin Area Water System are regional water systems that supply water to 15-member municipalities serving approximately 500,000 people across 5,000 square kilometers (1930 square miles) of southwestern Ontario. Their advanced and innovative asset management plan and asset management program are based on a customer level of service approach and risk mitigation framework which, in part, relies on condition assessments and operational data to determine proactive, cost-effective, and timely investments in this regionally significant infrastructure. Since their construction 50 years ago, the 1200mm (48-inch) primary transmission pipeline on the Lake Huron system has suffered 4 failures and is entering a critical stage in its life-cycle. Water pipeline operators have many technologies and techniques that enable them to determine the condition of their conveyance assets, their deterioration rate, and probability of failure. By quantifying and monitoring damage on their assets, the Lake Huron water system is able to categorize the structural damage found, allowing them to prioritize their rehabilitation program, and allocate funds on a systemic basis. This approach to pipeline asset management has supported the extension of the serviceable life of critical infrastructure by identifying urgent repair needs, improving maintenance, and capital planning. The program demonstrates that by collecting quantitative data and incorporated into an effective asset management program, significant amounts of money for infrastructure renewal can be saved while minimizing service disruptions.