The goal of SB 21/22 is to improve and restore overall clean water protections. The legislature amended The Water Quality Act to establish a permitting and water quality standards system for groundwater discharge. The New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) must establish a Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (PDES) to regulate the discharge of pollutants into the state’s waters.

Why Does SB 21/22 Matter to New Mexico?

SB 21/22 fills a massive regulatory shortcoming and will protect New Mexico’s primary water resources, safe drinking water, community health, and the long-term viability of agriculture and recreation. SB 21/22 is New Mexico’s response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s Sackett v. EPA decision in 2023, which resulted in the loss of federal protections for nearly all of the state’s streams, rivers, and wetlands—with New Mexico not having an all-inclusive groundwater discharge permitting system left the unprotected waters vulnerable, named the most engaged in the United States by American Rivers in 2024. The new state-level permit system for pollutant discharges into the surface water creates the authority for New Mexico to enforce the federal Clean Water Act, regardless of federal protection status. Additionally, the state will focus on polluted groundwater, directly place cleanup accountability on polluters, and establish a dedicated funding source.

The anticipated benefits of SB 21

• Improved water quality of surface and groundwater protections from pollution, which protects drinking water, agriculture, recreation, and wildlife.
• Reduced risks associated with contaminated water to protect the future of New Mexico’s public health.
• Economic benefits for locations with clean water are more attractive for business growth and development and support industries that rely on clean water, such as outdoor recreation and agriculture.
• Local controls give authority to New Mexico to oversee the protection of its water resources, not having to rely on federal regulations.
• Protection for vulnerable communities that face higher risks of the impacts of water pollution.
• Polluters will be held accountable as the responsible party for cleaning up contamination through updated enforcement policies.

How will this be funded?

SB 21/22 outlines a dedicated funding source to support the cleanup of New Mexico’s contaminated sites through responding, investigating, and remediating, and all polluters bear the burden of costs to clean up their pollution, not state tax dollars. Initially, SB 21/22 planned to appropriate a $50 million fund for groundwater cleanup efforts and surface water quality fees and penalties directed to a water quality management fund for administering the new permit rules similar to the final bill. The final bill also establishes penalties for violations of the PDES Act, including fines and imprisonment.

With the implementation of SB 21/22, similar to the federal Clean Water Act, there are exemptions. An exemption may include traditional farming and ranching activities and associated acequia operations to remove unneeded regulatory burdens on essential agricultural practices, only existing surface waters in farm production, and if the discharge is nontoxic.

What’s next? 

New Mexico will move forward to establish a comprehensive state permitting program. It may look to get authorization from the U.S. EPA for surface water permitting, which would be one of the few remaining states to do this. Overall, New Mexicans will have greater control over the quality of surface waters. Developing and implementing a permit will not happen overnight, and it will likely take a few years to be fully effective; this is a critical first step and a long-term commitment to secure the future of essential water resources.

Source: SB 21/22 – WATER QUALITY & POLLUTION

Written by: Andrew Kalemba, Operations Specialist at the Southwest EFC 

Featured Image by Brigitte Werner from Pixabay

Senate Bill 37’s (SB 37) purpose is to keep water in New Mexico’s waterways because many of the state’s waterways no longer qualify or meet the criteria for federal protection, such as many streams that do not flow year-round and many wetlands that do not have the required continuous surface connection to streams.

SB 37 will enhance the effectiveness of New Mexico’s water reserve by keeping water in New Mexico’s waterways. The reserve will be filled through new water projects, and existing water rights will be purchased. Water stored in the reserve will be accessed during the state’s most critical drought or other water shortages.

How does SB 37 address the Water Reserve Gap?

1) SB 37 creates a non-reverting fund for the Strategic Water Reserve. Allocated funds will never expire. For example, no matter how long it may take to complete a water rights transaction, such as a purchase or lease, the allocated funds will be available to support the transaction. Before SB 37, allocated funds could expire and be repurposed to the general fund before the execution of a transaction, which resulted in many missed opportunities for the state. Furthermore, the revised fund creates additional opportunities with readily available funds to assure water rights holders that they will be compensated for selling or leasing water to the state.

2) SB 37 includes aquifer recharge as a third primary way for the State of New Mexico to acquire water, acknowledging the relationship between surface water and groundwater. Utilizing the reserve for aquifer recharge, New Mexico can work towards developing and maintaining restorative stream flows and replenishing groundwater supplies simultaneously. The reserve will also support flexible, adaptive groundwater management and address groundwater depletion through continuous learning and adjustment.

3) SB 37 gives authority to the Interstate Stream Commission (ISC) to prioritize certain water transactions with supplementary benefits, considering the bigger picture impacts of water management. At least one of the following criteria is required to prioritize a transaction: interstate compact compliance, benefit to threatened or endangered species, and aquifer recharge. An example of a supplementary benefit could be recreation and cultural significance.

In Conclusion

New Mexico is taking significant strides in shaping the state’s water future during the 2025 legislative session, aiming to minimize future risks. SB 37 has the potential to stimulate the economy’s growth with new water projects. Still, on the other hand, we should consider the potential financial costs of maintaining reserves and ensure that they do not become cost-prohibitive. The improvements that SB 37, SB 21/22, and HB 137 lay out as part of New Mexico’s 50-year Water Action Plan are critical to giving the state the control it requires over its water resources and allowing it to reach its full water management potential. SB 37

Source: SB 37 – STRATEGIC WATER RESERVE FUND

Written by: Andrew Kalemba, Operations Specialist at the Southwest EFC 

Featured Image by John Foxx from FreeImages

The bill designates a $75 million strategic water supply program focusing on the state’s most immediate water scarcity issues, wastewater management, and environmental protection. More specifically, SB 137 expands the states’ implementation of water management strategies to increase resiliency to water shortages, initiative-taking measures focusing on future freshwater resources like brackish water projects, and research on underground aquifers.

Key Areas of Focus

As increased temperatures and drought conditions in New Mexico become commonplace, HB 137’s primary focus is addressing the increasing water scarcity concerns. The newly established Strategic Water Supply Program Fund establishes two key areas of focus to increase resiliency and water availability to ensure the future of New Mexico’s water supply through:

1) Brackish Water Projects ($50 Million)

The Brackish Water Project investments will create more diverse water sources for the state that were not previously accessible without treatment and focus on treating and reusing water with high salinity levels. For example, these projects will focus on water treatment for drinking and irrigation applications and create opportunities for future economic development.

2) Underground Aquifer Research ($28.8 Million)

Investments in research and monitoring underground aquifers will help New Mexico better understand the state’s groundwater resources and identify opportunities to manage the existing critical resources effectively. The New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology will lead the effort to map and monitor the groundwater resources, collecting essential data and providing insights to support the establishment of long-term statewide water management procedures.

Prioritizing Public Health and the Environment

In addition to the proactive measures that HB 137 establishes, it is also important to note that provisions for reusing produced water from fracking are not a part of the bill’s final version. The decision to remove the provision is to protect public health and the environment, prioritizing the prevention of potential contamination from produced water for future generations and expanding New Mexico’s strategic water reserves. The change will reduce the potential risk of contamination of soil and water resources. However, it can limit the potential for reducing wastewater generated in the energy production sector and lowering overall energy costs.

Establishment of Fees on Produced Water Disposal:

Furthermore, SB 137 puts a new dedicated revenue generation model in place through a 3-cent fee for each barrel of produced water disposed of in New Mexico to account for the environmental considerations associated with produced water disposal. The revenue generated from the fee will fund water supply projects and management initiatives down the road.

In Conclusion  

The 2025 New Mexico Legislative Session outcomes have laid a solid foundation for the future of New Mexico’s water resources, starting with HB 137 as a crucial step in New Mexico’s plan for its water future to address water scarcity concerns. The removal of produced water reuse provisions potentially limits economic and water reuse opportunities; it shows a deep commitment to protecting overall public health and the environment. Furthermore, HB 137 is key to the broader water and environmental legislation passed in 2025; Senate Bill 21 creates and funds a surface water permitting program, and Senate Bill 37 expands the uses of the Strategic Water Reserve. These three bills come together to give New Mexico greater control over the future of its water resources.

Source: HB 137 – STRATEGIC WATER SUPPLY ACT

Written by: Andrew Kalemba, Operations Specialist at the Southwest EFC 

Featured Image by m0are from Pixabay.

1. Improving Water Quality 

Water in the distribution system can become stagnant, especially in low-flow areas or dead-end pipes. Stagnation leads to sediment buildup, bacterial growth and potential chemical imbalances, which can degrade water quality. Regular flushing clears out contaminants, ensures proper chlorine residual levels and delivers fresher water to customers. For small systems with limited resources, this proactive measure is a cost- effective way to maintain compliance with water quality regulations.  

2. Preventing Infrastructure Damage 

Sediment and debris in pipes can cause corrosion, reduce flow capacity and damage system components over time. A flushing program helps remove these materials, extending the life span of pipes and reducing maintenance costs. It also helps operators plan and prepare budgets for future replacement of existing equipment. For small systems where staff and budgets are limited, preventing costly repairs through routine flushing is a smart investment. 

3. Enhancing Customer Confidence 

Discolored water, strange odors, or poor taste can erode public trust in a water system. Flushing prevents these issues, ensuring customers receive clean, clear water. For small communities, where word-of-mouth travel fast, consistent water quality builds confidence and strengthens community relationships.  

4. Meeting Regulatory Requirements 

Regulatory agencies often require water systems to maintain specific water quality standards. A flushing program helps small systems meet these standards by controlling biofilm growth, maintaining disinfectant levels and reducing the risk of contamination. Documenting flushing activities also demonstrates compliance during inspections. 

Written by: Mike Rivera, Water/Wastewater Utility Specialist at the Southwest EFC 

Featured Image courtesy of rick on Flickr.

On March 29^th, 2022, the Institute for American Indian Research at the University of New Mexico hosted an online panel discussion on Water and Indigenous Relations. This panel discussion presented an enlightening challenge to the dominant discourse of how water is viewed in the western United States. It offered viewpoints and information that should be taken into account by all water managers as we face the increased threat of drought and significant weather events. 

The panel discussion was led by Melanie K. Yazzie (Diné, Assistant Professor of American Indian Studies, University of Minnesota) and featured panelists:  

• Julia Bernal (Sandia Pueblo/Yuchi), Director, Pueblo Action Alliance, MA student UNM Community & Regional Planning  

• Andrew Curley (Diné), Assistant Professor of Geography, University of Arizona  
• Michelle Daigle (Mushkegowuk), Assistant Professor of Geography, University of Toronto 
• Teresa Montoya (Diné), Assistant Professor of Anthropology, University of Chicago  

All panelists offered diverse insight based both on their scholarly research and from their lived experiences as Indigenous persons and scholars. They offered alternative ways of understanding and measuring water and presented ideas challenging how water is currently allocated and viewed as a standardized commodity. 

For water managers in the US, it is important to understand that the now dominant discourse of how water is measured and allocated is not the only way. Currently, in most of the western US, water is allocated by prior appropriation, meaning that whoever can prove that they first started using that water for a beneficial purpose historically, has a right to use that water before others who started using water from that source at a later date. In choosing this approach, water has been turned from a necessity into a commodity that can be exchanged for a price, which can be a very destructive ideology. In addition, water makes for a poor commodity due to the nature of how it moves through the environment and differences in water quality between water sources. Instead of allocating by prior appropriation, a simple alternative that was presented, would be to allocate water by crop or community need. In this manner, water scarcity could be addressed by ensuring those that need the water the most, would receive it. This would also be a better fit with many Indigenous traditions, where water is a unique living entity that has its own fundamental rights and cannot be separated from the land and its people. 

One example where understanding different ways of viewing water is relevant, is the conversation around drinking water system partnership. Drinking water systems across the US face many challenges including a lack of technical, managerial, and financial capacity to operate effectively and safely. System partnership is often discussed as a solution to this challenge by the regional sharing of resources to achieve economies of scale. As different stakeholders form these partnerships, they may have different ways of viewing water, have different historical uses for water, and have different definitions of when water is a necessity. To come to a consensus and to have an effective partnership, it is important for stakeholders to be open to alternative ways of viewing and allocating regional shared resources, including water. 

In addition to understanding the various ways of viewing and using water, with increased threats of drought in many parts of the US and an increase in significant weather events, it can be increasingly advantageous for water managers to question their own assumptions and the dominant discourse of how water is viewed. In the western US, there is no doubt that water demand exceeds supply. If more managers and decision makers start viewing water as a dynamic living entity, that should be shared in a more respectful way, it could alleviate some of the tension and result in solutions that lead to a more equitable and just allocation of water. While the allocation of water is a complex topic with many considerations, it is worth considering other ways of thinking about water especially considering the extreme drought impacting much of the southwestern U.S.  

Rio Grande near Albuquerque, NM (occupied ancestral Pueblo land). Photo by Tucker Colvin 

Written by: Tucker Colvin, Research Scientist at the Southwest Environmental Finance Center 

Photo by Catherine Sheila from Pexels

Recent news reports have called our attention to unacceptable levels of arsenic in bottled water sold in popular markets, and to PFAS contamination in bottled water sold in New England.

This seems like a really good time to outline exactly what the differences are between bottled water and tap water. 

Safety

Many people are under the impression that bottled water is safer than tap water. This feeling is perhaps bolstered by all those ads of high mountain meadows with clear sparkling springs. However, recent news reports highlight one of the most important drawbacks of drinking bottled water, namely that these products are often not as pure as advertised.  This stems from the fact that bottled water is not held to the same standards as tap water supplied by public water systems.  EPA requires that the water delivered to your tap be tested for over 80 potential contaminants and that remedial action must be taken whenever any of those contaminants exceed allowed levels. Further, your public water system must tell you where your water comes from and what is in it.  Bottled water on the other hand is not regulated by the EPA, but by the FDA, which does not have the same standards or the same regulatory authority.  It gets worse. The FDA has ruled that water that is bottled and sold within the same state is exempt from its rules.

Cost

The average cost of tap water across the United States is about $2.00 per thousand gallons. That works out to about a quarter of a cent per gallon!  A 1.5-liter bottle (about a quart) of imported water can cost up to $5, depending on where it’s purchased. Sure, you can get bottled water a lot cheaper than that, but even those 99-cent bottles of unknown origin are still 1600 times as expensive as tap water.

Americans spend about $12 million per year on bottled water, or an average of $250 per person. Think about what that money could do for community services across the nation.

The Environment

Two liters of water are used in the production of every liter of bottled water. So, every liter of bottled water you buy represents 3 liters of water, 2 of which are wasted.  And all those plastic bottles!  First, the resources to manufacture the bottles. The Pacific Institute has estimated that 17 million barrels of oil are needed to produce the plastic to make the 29 billion bottles used in the U.S. each year (enough oil to fuel 1,000,000 cars for a year). In fact, 90% of the cost of a bottle of water comes from making the plastic bottle itself. Add to that the oil needed to label, cool and ship it around (sometimes from the other side of the world).  It’s like filling every bottle ¼ full of oil.

Then there is the issue of disposing of the bottles. Sure, they are recyclable, but only 1 in 5 is actually recycled.  Many end up in landfills where they take 1,000 years to degrade and leach toxic additives such as phthalates into the groundwater.  But that’s not all.  About 10% of the bottles end up in the ocean, where they contribute to pollution and destroy sea life.

Convenience   

Many people cite the convenience of bottled water as a reason for buying it.  And we have all found ourselves in a situation (out walking or shopping or in an airport) where we need water and it’s easy to grab that bottle.  But convenience comes at a cost.  And that cost is a lot greater than the few dollars you pay for the bottle of water.  When you add in the cost to the environment, it’s huge. Many airports, universities, and other public places have installed filling stations where you can fill your own bottle. Empty bottles can be taken through security at airports and filled before boarding the plane.  So kick the plastic bottle habit, get yourself a good re-usable stainless steel or other BPA free water bottle, fill ‘er up with tap water and JUST DRINK IT!

In Brief

This blog post is the last part of our three part series on CMMS Software. This blog post describes how to set up a demo with CMMS questions and recommends questions to ask during the demo. It also discusses CMMS pricing and technical support.

Making contact with CMMS companies 

Once you have a short list of CMMS software companies, you’ll want to call them and set up a demo. During your initial phone call describe your system and what your software needs are. The companies can then tailor the demo to focus on the features your utility is interested in.  You should be aware of other available features for possible future use. 

During the demo, view each feature on your list, both essential and optional. Also think about functionality and ease of use throughout the demo; does the feature seem user friendly? As each feature is shown, be sure to ask any questions you may have. For example, if preventative maintenance is on your list, make sure the software supports preventative maintenance as your utility would use it. Does the software do calendar-based preventative maintenance or is it based on hours of run time or odometer readings or a combination? Can you create corrective maintenance work orders from failed inspections? The more prepared you come to a demo, the more you will get out of it and the easier it will be to pick the right CMMS software.  

API 

During the calls with the CMMS companies you will likely hear the acronym API. Application programming interfaces (APIs) extend the power of your CMMS and let it talk to other computers, applications, equipment etc. Many companies may not have a specific feature as part of their software initially but can use an API to integrate that feature if necessary. For example, some CMMS software does not integrate SCADA data. However, there are companies that have the capability to use an API to integrate SCADA data into their software. Be aware that the use of an API will likely be an additional cost. 

Price 

Each CMMS software will have a different pricing scheme. Pricing may be available on a company’s website, but more often you will have to request a price estimate. Do this early on so you know if the software is within your budget. To receive an accurate estimate, companies will request part or all of the following information: gallons per day, number of connections and/or number of users. They may ask for the total number of users or ask for the number of concurrent users. These can all effect the price of the software. The cost of the software is usually subscription or licensed based. If it is subscription based, some companies will allow you one month free out of the year if you pick an annual subscription rather than a monthly one. The subscription or license costs will not be the only fees you pay. The questions below can help you find out about any hidden costs.  

Potential questions to ask: 

1. How much are onboarding and training fees? These usually depend on how large the setup is, number of days someone from the company has to be at the utility etc. 
2. Does the license or subscription fee stay the same or increase every year? 
3. Is there a cost to importing and integrating data into the system? 
4. Is there an additional cost for technical support? 
5. Is there an additional cost for upgrades? 
    

Request for Proposals 

As a water utility, you may be required to write a Request for Proposal (RFP) instead of having your team select a CMMS software. It is still important to follow the steps outlined in the CMMS part 1 and part 2 blog posts because they will help you gather all the information you need to write an RFP. A well written RFP will be specific and that will ensure that only companies with software that fulfills requirements on your essential features list will submit a proposal.  

Technical Support  

Another vital piece to CMMS selection is understanding the company’s technical support. All companies should provide some type of technical support, but the type may depend on whether your software is cloud-based or on-premise. If the software is cloud-based, most technical problems can be solved remotely. If the software is set-up on-premise then there is a higher likelihood someone would have to travel to you to fix issues. The questions below can help you gage the level of technical support you will receive.  

Potential questions to ask: 

1. How does technical support work? Is there around the clock support?
2. Do you provide instructional videos, in-software guides, live chat? 
3. How are upgrades done?   

Once you have talked to the top companies on your list and seen their demos, compare them. You can also go online and look at software advice websites that you can use to read company reviews. Buying the right software for your utility can be an intimidating activity, but defining your goals and knowing the right questions to ask will make you well prepared to navigate the process.  

Links to Part 1 and Part 2

Part 1: http://southwestefc.unm.edu/computerized-maintenance-management-system-cmms-part-1-of-3/

Part 2: Coming Soon

In Brief: This blog post is the second part of our three part series on CMMS Software. This post details how to research CMMS companies and who to involve in that process.

How to pick the right CMMS software (geared towards small water utilities) 

You’ve decided your utility needs CMMS software, but how do you go about picking the right one? The more you know about the needs of your utility, the better prepared you will be to pick the right fit. The first step is to define your goals and expectations for the software. Below are some questions to help you start thinking about what your system may need from CMMS software.  

• Do you want to be able to track all your work orders? 
• Are you looking to do preventative maintenance? 
• Do you want to manage your parts inventory? 
• Do you have SCADA or GIS data? 
• Do you want to be able to access information in the field? 

Once you have defined your goals, create a list of features the CMMS needs to have to help you achieve these goals. Split the list into essential features versus optional features. As a small system, many CMMS software’s will do more than your utility needs and you don’t necessarily want something that comes packed with thousands of features. You can save money by knowing exactly what you want out of the software. It is also important to not exclusively focus on your current needs, you should also consider what your needs may be in 5 to 10 years. You do not want to outgrow your CMMS software. Below is an example of an essential features list and an optional features list created by a wastewater utility looking for CMMS software. 

Essential Software Capabilities  

• Asset Management Tracking 
• Asset Inventory 
• Cost Data 
• Maintenance Records 
• Generates Work Orders  
• Spare parts inventory tracking 
• Part name, location, quantity available, reminder to reorder via email 
• Communication with (future) SCADA systems  
• Communicates with tablets or smart phones for in-field updating and accessing (mobile option) 

Optional Software Capabilities 

• Clean user interface, easy to use 
• Connects horizontal assets (GIS based inventory) and vertical assets  

You should also consider whether you want your CMMS software to be cloud-based or installed on-premise to a desktop computer. Companies will only offer one or the other and there are advantages and disadvantages to both. A cloud-based system requires fewer upfront costs because you do not have to purchase the hardware for the CMMS to run on and your IT department does not have to set up and manage the server. A cloud-based system can also quickly implement updates and issues with the software can be solved remotely. An on-premise solution has better security and if your utility has data or regulatory requirements that force the data to stay on site then it will be the best option for you. All CMMS websites should indicate whether the software is cloud-based or on-premise.  

The easiest question to answer in your CMMS software research is who to involve in the selection process. Everyone! The most important people to engage are those already familiar with maintenance operations and facility managers. However, there is a high likelihood your billing and IT staff will also end up using the software in some capacity and their input is also valuable. Include at least one person from each department that will be using the system to ensure that everyone’s needs will be met.  

Once you have your two lists, start researching CMMS companies online. You can start by finding out what software similar sized utilities are using or see if there are any CMMS companies in your state. As you are reading through the information on each company’s website, make sure they check off all the features on your essential features list. After you have thoroughly researched companies, create a short list of companies, three to four, that could be a fit and call them to set up a demo. Demos are a chance for you to actually see how the software will fit your needs. Usually before a demo the company will ask about your goals so they can better tailor the demo to your needs. It is important to be prepared when you are calling companies that offer CMMS software because they are trying to sell you a product. To get the most out of the phone call and subsequent demo you need to know what questions to ask and come with information about your utility. The next blog post walks you through what questions to ask CMMS software companies once you’ve made contact. 

Links to Part 1 and Part 3 of this series:

Part 1: http://southwestefc.unm.edu/computerized-maintenance-management-system-cmms-part-1-of-3/

Part 3: Coming soon

In Brief

This blog post is part of our three part series on CMMS Software. This blog post is the first in the series. This blog post describes what CMMS software is and how your utility can determine whether or not it would be useful for your utility.

What is CMMS software?  

A computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) is a software designed to simplify maintenance management. Maintenance management is a necessity in a broad range of disciplines and CMMS software is able to serve fields ranging from manufacturing to energy to healthcare. With CMMS, companies or organizations can monitor work orders, quickly generate accurate reports, schedule repairs, create accurate inventory forecasts and easily determine which assets require maintenance and when. You may have also heard of enterprise asset management (EAM) systems. CMMS and EAM are actually different systems but are often referenced interchangeably. Both systems provide many similar features but EAM systems tend to be broader and more useful for larger companies.  

The goal of CMMS software is to improve organization, extend asset lifespans and reduce costs. It is there to help protect an organizations large capital investment. CMMS software cannot take the place of knowledgeable individuals but instead can help them prioritize and easily keep track of assets and labor. CMMS software’s core functionality includes preventative maintenance, asset management, work order management and inventory management. However, many additional features can be added.   

Does your utility need CMMS software? 

Many utilities, especially small utilities, may be unsure about whether CMMS software would benefit their operation. Below are some guiding questions that can help you decide whether to take the next step in your CMMS research or determine your operation can continue without one. 

What does your record-keeping look like? Is it chaotic, with related material kept in many different locations? Is it hard to locate assets?  

When record-keeping is unorganized your team could spend more time finding relevant information than making repairs. CMMS software is capable of storing everything in a single, searchable database that allows you to make informed data driven decisions. It also improves the tracking and scheduling of labor, helping you identify and resolve bottlenecks in labor utilization and improve response time.   

Are routine processes moving smoothly? Maybe routine processes are running smoothly but are they as efficient as possible? Are you easily communicating what needs to be completed on a daily basis? 

It’s challenging to plan facility repairs and service in advance and thus you may currently be fixing problems as they arise rather than preventing them from happening. CMMS software helps you proactively plan most maintenance tasks with standardized processes and set procedures. This will reduce reactive repairs and free-up valuable time. The software enables you to move from a reactive maintenance program to a preventative maintenance program.  

Have you ever failed to complete repairs in a timely manner because important spare parts were unavailable? Maybe you have the part but have no idea where it is. Or you thought you had it only to realize you used it in a previous repair and forgot to order another.  

Waiting for parts is a common setback. CMMS software allows you to create a spare parts inventory so you can adjust new material orders based on stock level and identify a pattern of materials consumption. You gain control over your inventory and ensure critical parts are available when needed.  

If your utility experiences  some the above issues then it is worth investigating CMMS software further. The software is not inexpensive but is available at varying prices with varying capabilities and most systems will find a product that matches their needs. There must also be a commitment by staff to learn a new system. However, the payoff can make it worthwhile. The next step is to begin creating a list of what your utility wants out of CMMS software before you begin researching software companies. The next blog post will walk you through how to define your CMMS goals and who to involve in the process.  

Links to Part 2 and Part 3 (COMING SOON)

Part 1
Part 2