By Peter Way, Chair, NAMS.AU
NAMS.AU is currently developing the next condition assessment practice note, which will focus on water supply and sewerage infrastructure assets. The note is being put together with the assistance of Cardno Consultants and input from the Water Directorates in both Queensland and New South Wales. We are also liaising with the Water Services Association Australia to get its input on the scope of the document.
The practice note will be of interest to the many smaller councils and utilities throughout regional Australia that still have responsibility for water supply and sewerage services. It aims to provide practical guidance to cost effectively develop a picture of the condition grading across all the various assets that make up water supply and sewerage schemes. It follows a risk-based approach.
Using the commonly accepted one-to-five condition-rating methodology, it explains how to survey the existing network, manage the data and, most importantly, translate the outcomes into action plans and forward budgetary projections for long-term financial plans.
Similar to the practice notes already developed, we intend to include a comprehensive photo gallery showing examples of various condition grades for a range of asset types in the water supply and sewage asset classes. As the document progresses to its final stages, we are also looking to undertake a peer review process to fine tune and 'roadtest' its applicability with practitioners out there in the water supply and sewage field.
You can be involved. We are interested in any photos you might have available for inclusion, particularly for reservoirs, treatment plants, pumps, motors, and water mains. We need photos that show a range of conditions, from good to poor.
Also, we are keen to arrange for appropriate experienced peer reviewers to look over the document and advise on any improvements, additions or enhancements, seen as desirable, based on their own practical experience.
So, if you have any photos or would like to be considered for a peer reviewer role (your involvement will of course be acknowledged in the practice note), then please contact me at
pway@ipwea.org.au