Chris Geehman, Manager Asset Creation South East Water Limited (SEWL) provides water and sewerage services to the south-eastern area of Melbourne, population 1.2 million. Company assets total some $998 million, which include approximately 7,650 kilometres of water mains. A major requirement for SEWL, and for all water companies, is that of maintaining assets in an appropriate condition to meet regulated service levels. For water mains this can take the form of either repairing leaks and bursts or replacement of pipelines at the end of their serviceable lives. While the definition of the 'end of serviceable life' of a water main is as varied as the number of manufacturers and water companies, there are many other factors that can contribute to the decision on whether or not a particular main should be renewed. In particular the impact of customer service requirements is taking on increasing importance. This paper discusses WRAP (Watermain Renewal Analyser & Prioritisor); a computer based rating system used by SEWL for prioritising the renewal of its water reticulation (?225mm diameter) pipelines. This program not only addresses the various input factors but is also 'dynamic' in that in can be updated at any time and caters for urgent and/or emergency situations. Download the complete story as a Word Document BACK TO