Developing a Focused CIP to Optimize Resources Using Pipeline Renewal Models

Utilities face significant challenges as they age. Because wastewater collection systems are buried, these systems are “out-of-sight, out-of-mind”—until they fail. The need to allocate resources for condition assessment and cost-effective rehabilitation/repair of critical infrastructure before they fail continues to be a high priority for utilities across the country, and one of their most vexing challenges. More and more, utilities are turning to pipeline renewal and replacement (R&R) models to understand potential needs and to develop prioritized projects. While R&R models are not a new concept, the tools and services available have greatly improved in recent years. Through better understanding of these models and how they are applied differently, utilities can develop plans that are tailored to their needs and challenges. This paper will present three case studies illustrating how different utilities used modeling to develop collection system R&R projects for their respective CIPs using the same tool and similar data.