Speaking

Aging sanitary sewer systems present a growing challenge for municipalities across the United States, with limited budgets and increasing public expectations for reliable service. Utilities are turning to criticality scoring and risk-based prioritization tools to optimize infrastructure investments, reduce emergency failures and enhance long-term system resilience.

This presentation explores how utilities can implement a structured framework to evaluate the criticality of sewer assets, incorporating factors such as pipe condition, consequence of failure, environmental risk and community impact. Drawing on case studies from multiple cities, attendees will see practical approaches for scoring assets, prioritizing rehabilitation and allocating resources effectively.

The discussion highlights the role of emerging technologies, including GIS dashboards, AI-enabled inspection tools and predictive analytics, in supporting data-driven decision-making. Key lessons include strategies for overcoming common challenges in data collection, ensuring stakeholder buy-in and adapting national best practices to local contexts.

Attendees will leave with a clear understanding of how to apply criticality scoring in their own sewer collection systems, enabling smarter investment decisions, improved reliability and a more resilient water infrastructure.