Utility asset management : where you are, where you are going, knowing when you get there

Water and wastewater systems are one of the largest infrastructure assets a city can own. Cities are faced with a deteriorating infrastructure with a decreasing budget. A plan is needed to effectively manage this deterioration. New regulations and accounting requirements (CMOM - Capacity Management Operations and Management and GASB-34) are pushing utilities into asset management planning to manage their systems. An asset management plan provides a comprehensive assessment of the current condition of the utility and a projection of the cost required to meet standards of service. The capital asset management system provides a means to protect, maintain or improve the asset value of the water or sewer system (or any infrastructure) with planned maintenance and repair. (author)