AWARE-P best practice IAM handbooks

Two handbooks of best practice on infrastructure asset management (IAM) of water services – respectively for water and wastewater – developed under the AWARE-P project, have been published through ERSAR, the water and waste services regulator of Portugal.

These handbooks, available for free download, will assist water utilities in defining objectives, performing diagnoses, setting up priorities, comparing alternatives and selecting improvement solutions. Both manuals are based on the AWARE-P integrated IAM methodology, which aims to develop and implement in water utilities a structured procedure for strategic infrastructures asset management. They are targeted at raising awareness, changing current practice and improving the technical know-how of the utilities' human resources. As a strategic sector of great social and economic relevance, it is vital that it is managed in a more rational and efficient way than at present. Without an advanced asset management, it will not be feasible to assure adequate levels of the service in the future, particularly with regard to reliable high quality drinking water supply, use of natural resources and prevention of pollution and flooding of urban environments. 

The handbooks are freely available from the ERSAR website (www.ersar.pt) or by using the direct links below:

Alegre, H., Covas, D. (2010). Infrastructure Asset Management of Water Services. Guia Técnico 16, ERSAR Série Guias Técnicos, Lisboa. ISBN 978‐989‐8360‐04‐5 (in Portuguese). 

Almeida, M.C., Cardoso, M.A. (2010). Infrastructure Asset Management of Wastewater and Stormwater Services. Guia Técnico 17, ERSAR Série Guias Técnicos, Lisboa. ISBN 978‐989‐8360‐05‐2 (in Portuguese).