From the Rio Grande to the Well Fields in the North: How El Paso Water Manages a Critical 20-Mile Cross City Water Main

El Paso Water (EPW) is recognized for their efforts in water conservation and asset management. In 2015, as part of their capital improvement plan EPW implemented a condition assessment program utilizing advanced electromagnetic technologies to evaluate the condition of the their essential 48-in. cross city transmission main (CCTM). Since the program’s initiation, EPW has inspected over 6-mi of the CCTM infrastructure. The purpose of the program is to monitor the condition of critical pipes, maximize remaining useful life, prevent unexpected failures, and avoid large scale water-loss events. EPW has successfully employed innovative technology to collect condition data specific to each pipe within the CCTM, allowing each pipe to be managed as an individual asset. The electromagnetic inspection data collected is utilized to determine the structural adequacy of the pipe. In addition, a visual evaluation of the pipeline interior is performed to identify other potential deficiencies. This proactive approach allows EPW to make informed decisions based on reliable and “actionable” data to develop strategic decisions for the repair or replacement of individual pipes approaching failure. Such an approach allows EPW to save significant capital when compared to the significant costs associated with replacing sections of pipe or the entire pipeline. This paper will demonstrate the importance of the CCTM and present an overview of El Paso Water’s condition assessment program. Furthermore, the paper will provide cumulative results and include highlights of lessons learned since the program’s inception 4 years ago.