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Decision Support for Renewal of Wastewater Collections and Water Distribution Systems
Citation:
Matthews, J. C., W. Condit, A. SELVAKUMAR, AND K. Fields. Decision Support for Renewal of Wastewater Collections and Water Distribution Systems. Presented at NASTT'S 2011 No-Dig Show, Washington, DC, March 27 - 31, 2011.
Impact/Purpose:
To inform the public.
Description:
The decision of how to accomplish the renewal of existing wastewater collection and water distribution systems involves the evaluation of many criteria and parameters. These criteria must be evaluated thoroughly to determine the best way of rehabilitating or replacing these systems effectively and cost efficiently. As part of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s Aging Water Infrastructure Research Program, one key area of research being pursued, in collaboration with wastewater and water utilities, is the examination of decision support for the choice of rehabilitation versus replacement and the selection of rehabilitation systems. The purpose of this task is to: (1) identify by both city visits and an extensive literature search, the current methodologies and decision support models being used for determining how to rehabilitate or replace underground utilities; (2) identify the critical gaps of these current models through comparison with the case history data; and (3) assess the feasibility of substantially improving upon existing approaches. This paper describes the current state of decision support models and methodologies used throughout the United States for determining how to decide whether to rehabilitate or replace existing wastewater or water distribution pipes. Multiple case studies will be described to document how some of the major population centers throughout the U.S. make their decisions. Each case study will provide the parameters, criteria and models, if any, that is used in each city’s typical method selection process. The cities which were visited and surveyed include: Atlanta, GA; Columbus, OH; Dallas, TX; Indianapolis, IN; Las Vegas, NV; Los Angeles, CA; Miami-Dade County, FL; and, New York City, NY.