References & Resources
The following is a list of references and resources for Asset Management and related issues, along with short descriptions of the materials available. Many of the organizations and websites listed here offer free downloads or software. In addition, the internet offers a wealth of free and low-cost information and software. Some additional websites that utilities might find helpful are listed at the end of this section.
Asset Management
Asset Management: A Handbook for Small Water Systems (2003)
This guide is one in a series of Simple Tools for Effective Performance (STEP) developed for small drinking water systems. It can be obtained from EPA by calling the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (800) 426-4791 and requesting document number EPA 816-R-03-016. You can also download it at:
http://www.epa.gov/ogwdw/smallsystems/pdfs/guide_smallsystems_asset_mgmnt.pdf
Check Up Program for Small Systems (CUPSS) Software
CUPSS is a free, easy-to-use, Asset Management tool for small drinking water and wastewater utilities. CUPSS provides a simple, comprehensive approach based on EPA’s Simple Tools for Effective Performance (STEP) Guide series. You can download CUPSS online or order a copy. Call 1-800-490-9198 (bulk orders are available) and request either the User’s Kit: EPA 816-K-08-002 or the Trainer’s Kit (EPA 816-K-08-001).
http://water.epa.gov/infrastructure/drinkingwater/pws/cupss/index.cfm
Taking Stock of Your Water System: A Simple Asset Inventory for Very Small Drinking Water Systems (2004)
This guide was developed by the EPA Office of Water for very small systems such as manufactured home communities and homeowners’ associations. It was designed as a simplified process to determine condition and useful life of assets. It can be obtained from EPA by calling the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (800) 426-4791 and requesting document number EPA 816-K-03-002. You can also download it at:
http://www.epa.gov/safewater/smallsys/pdfs/final_asset_inventory_for_small_systems.pdf
US EPA Advanced Asset Management Collaboration Working Session (May 2005)
Workshop materials, prepared by Steve Allbee, US EPA (Albee.steve@epa.gov), Duncan Rose, GHD (Duncan.Rose@ghd.us.com) and Roger Byrne, GHD (Roger.Byrne@gdh.us.com)
Fact Sheet: Asset Management for Sewer Collection Systems (2002)
This was developed by EPA to assist small wastewater systems implement a simple Asset Management plan. 16 pages. (Product No. 833-F-02-001) You can download it at:
http://www.epa.gov/npdes/pubs/assetmanagement.pdf
Bridging the Gap: Video for Public Officials and Water Managers.
Bridging the Gap is an on-line video designed to help elected officials and water and wastewater managers make smart choices as they address water and wastewater infrastructure issues. The video outlines the key steps to developing an Asset Management plan. The hosting website provides an on-line learning experience with an extensive array of reference materials and real-world examples of emerging best practices and innovations in water Asset Management. Developed with EPA grant funds, this video and website is a collaborative undertaking with Penn State’s College of Engineering, World Campus, and its Public Broadcasting units. Access to the video and related materials is available at:
https://courses.worldcampus.psu.edu/public/buried_assets/
International Infrastructure Management Manual (2006, 3rd ed.)
This manual provides information on developing an Asset Management plan. It also includes case studies and implementation tools. The manual was developed for systems in Australia and New Zealand, but has been used extensively in the United States. The manual can be ordered from the National Asset Management Steering Group, Thames, New Zealand at their website.
http://www.nams.org.nz/
Life-Cycle Cost Analysis
The US Department of Energy’s Federal Energy Management Program has tools to assist with life cycle cost analysis of energy projects including software, training and publications. Visit the website:
http://www1.eere.energy.gov/femp/program/lifecycle.html
Rate-Setting and Financing
Setting Small Drinking Water System Rates for a Sustainable Future – STEP Guide Series (January 2006, 62 pages)
This guide provides information on the importance of recovering costs through user fees and developing a budget and financial plan. (EPA 816-R-05-006) It can be downloaded from the following site:
http://www.epa.gov/ogwdw/smallsystems/pdfs/guide_smallsystems_final_ratesetting_guide.pdf
Show-Me Ratemaker
These water and sewer rate analysis programs were originally created for the Missouri Department of Natural Resources and they are now available by calling the National Drinking Water Clearinghouse at 1-800-624-8301 and requesting Product Number DWCDMG57, the Environmental Management Suite CD.
A Guidebook of Financial Tools: Paying for Environmental Systems (August 2008)
The guide examines a wide range of different tools that can help make environmental protection initiatives more sustainable . Produced by the Environmental Financial Advisory Board and the Environmental Finance Center Network, it is available in PDF format at:
http:/www.epa.gov/efinpage/guidbkpdf.htm
Strategic Planning
Strategic Planning: A Handbook for Small Water Systems – STEP Guide Series (September 2003, 30 pages)
This guide was designed to assist systems understand the concept of strategic planning. An overview of the planning process and how it will help you build capacity and respond to unexpected problems; worksheets to use in developing your strategic plan. EPA 816-R-03-015, It can be downloaded from the following site:
http://www.epa.gov/ogwdw/smallsystems/pdfs/guide_smallsystems_stratplan.pdf
Tabletop Exercise Tool for Water Systems: Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Climate Resiliency (2010)
This CD-ROM based tool (TTX Tool) developed by US EPA is designed to provide utilities with the necessary resources to plan, conduct, and evaluate tabletop exercise to practice emergency response plans and procedures. It expands on the capabilities of the first version of the tool, published in 2005. The updated TTX Tool contains fifteen scenarios and each scenario has a fully-customizable Situation Manual, Additional Discussion Questions, and PowerPoint presentation. Users can modify these materials, allowing them to conduct a tabletop exercise to meet their specific needs. The fact sheet can be downloaded at:
http://water.epa.gov/infrastructure/watersecurity/techtools/upload/ttxtoolfsdec2010.pdf
The TTX Tool can be ordered by emailing ttxtool@epa.gov and requesting EPA-817-C-10-001 or by downloading at:
http://yosemite.epa.gov/ow/SReg.nsf/description/TTX_Tool
Energy Management
Ensuring a Sustainable Future: An Energy Management Guidebook for Wastewater and Water Utilities (2008, 113 pages)
This guidebook developed by US EPA demonstrates to utility managers that it makes business and environmental sense to optimize energy conservation efforts. It outlines the steps a facility would take to understand their energy use, set reduction goals, take actions, and make progress on achieving energy reduction targets. It can be downloaded from the following website:
http://www.epa.gov/owm/waterinfrastructure/pdfs/guidebook_si_energymanagement.pdf
ENERGY STAR Tools and Resources Library
ENERGY STAR is a joint program of the US EPA and the US Department of Energy to assist in saving money and protecting the environment through energy efficient products and practices. The website offers a broad range of tools and resources to help implement an energy management strategy. ENERGY STAR has developed a Benchmarking Starter Kit to help you get started quickly. You can download tools and resources at:
http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=tools_resources.bus_energy_management_tools_resources
Portfolio Manager
Portfolio Manager is an interactive energy management tool that allows you to track and assess energy and water consumption across your entire portfolio of buildings in a secure online environment. For more information visit the website at:
http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=evaluate_performance.bus_portfoliomanager
In addition, EPA has developed a Benchmarking Starter Kit to help you get started quickly.
http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=evaluate_performance.bus_portfoliomanager_benchmarking
Wastewater Management Fact Sheet, Energy Conservation (July 2006, 7 pages)
Developed by US EPA, this booklet describes practices that can be implemented to conserve energy at wastewater treatment plants. You can download it from:
http://www.epa.gov/owm/mtb/energycon_fasht_final.pdf
Water and Energy Best Practice Guidebook (December 2006, 93 pages)
This guidebook was prepared by SAIC for the State of Wisconsin Division of Energy. You may download it at:
http://www.werf.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Home&TEMPLATE=/CM/ContentDisplay.cfm&CONTENTID=10245
Energy Efficiency RFP Guidance for Water-Wastewater Facilities (2010)
Many water-wastewater utilities wish to include energy efficiency provisions in facility upgrades and new construction, but don’t know how to clearly and effectively include energy efficiency in project requests for qualifications (RFQs) or requests for proposals (RFPs). The guide developed by the Consortium for Energy Efficiency (CEE) in cooperation with the Water Environment Federation (WEF) provides some helpful information. You can download it at: http://www.cee1.org/ind/mot-sys/ww/rfp/whattoknow.php3#Guidance
The Pumping System Assessment Tool (PSAT) (2008)
The Pumping System Assessment Tool is a free online software tool to help industrial users assess the efficiency of pumping system operations developed by the Department of Energy. PSAT uses achievable pump performance data from Hydraulic Institute standards and motor performance data from the MotorMaster+ database to calculate potential energy and associated cost savings. Download at:
http://www1.eere.energy.gov/industry/bestpractices/software_psat.html
Evaluation of Energy Conservation Measures for Wastewater Treatment Facilities (September 2010, 222 pages)
Developed by the US EPA, this report focuses on energy efficient equipment replacement, operational modifications, and process control enhancements that lead to improved energy efficiency and cost savings. You can download at:
http://water.epa.gov/scitech/wastetech/upload/Evaluation-of-Energy-Conservation-Measures-for-Wastewater-Treatment-Facilities.pdf
New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA)
Created to help New York meet its energy goals of reducing energy consumption, promoting use of renewable energy sources, and protecting the environment, the program provides technical assistance, research and outreach for municipal water and wastewater facilities in New York.
Water and Wastewater Energy Management Best Practices Handbook
10 Steps to Energy Efficiency for water and wastewater Treatment Facilities
Payback Analysis Tool.
Wastewater Treatment Plant Checklist
Wastewater Benchmarking Tool
Water Treatment Plant Checklist
Water Treatment Benchmarking Tool
Additional Web Resource Links
American Public Works Association: http://www.apwa.net
American Water Works Association: http://www.awwa.org
Association of Metropolitan water Agencies: http://amwa.net
Association of State Drinking Water Administrators: http://www.asdwa.org
California Energy Commission: http://www.energy.ca.gov/process/water
Consortium for Energy Efficiency: http://www.cee1.org
Government Finance Officers Association: http://www.gfoa.org
ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability: http://www.iclei.org
National Association of Clean Water Agencies: http://www.nacwa.org
National Association of Energy Service Companies (NAESCO): http://www.naesco.org
National Association of Sewer Companies (NASSCO): http://www.nassco.org
National Association of Water Companies: http://www.nawc.org
National Rural Water Association: http://nwra.org
Rural Community Assistance Program: http://rcap.org
Rural Utilities Service: http://www.usda.gov/rus
US Department of Energy, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy: http://www.eere.energy.gov
US Energy Information Administration: http://www.eia.doe.gov
Water Environment Federation (WEF): http://www.wef.org
Downloadable Resources
You will need Microsoft Access & Microsoft Excel for the following files:
- Asset Energy Management Database – You need Microsoft Access or equivalent to use this file.
- InventorySpreadsheets – You need Microsoft Excel or equivalent to use this file.
You need Microsoft Word or equivalent to use these files below: