ISO 24516-2:2019

Overview

ISO 24516-2:2019 provides internationally recognized guidelines for the management of assets in waterworks, a critical component of water supply and wastewater systems. Developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), this standard focuses on maintaining value and ensuring the sustainability of existing physical assets within water utilities. Covering facilities such as treatment plants, sludge treatment facilities, pumping stations, reservoirs, tanks, dosing equipment, and metering infrastructure, ISO 24516-2:2019 is applicable to organizations of any size, from small community utilities to large metropolitan systems. The standard advocates for a systematic, risk-based, and life-cycle approach to asset management, helping organizations provide reliable, high-quality water services efficiently and sustainably.

Key Topics

• Technical Asset Management: Guidance on managing core waterworks assets, including their assessment, maintenance, and rehabilitation to optimize performance and longevity.
• Strategic, Tactical, and Operational Practices: Examples and recommendations for asset management processes at every level, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and stakeholder expectations.
• Risk-Based and Life Cycle Approaches: Emphasis on using condition and operational data to drive risk-informed decision-making and long-term investment strategies.
• Establishing Performance and Functional Requirements: Setting measurable and achievable objectives for service quality, safety, environmental protection, and sustainable operation.
• Investigation and Data Collection: Outlining best practices for investigating asset condition, gathering operational and inventory data, and maintaining reliable records to inform planning and action.
• Continuous Improvement: Recommendations for regular performance reviews, documentation practices, and updating management strategies to adapt to evolving needs and technologies.

Applications

ISO 24516-2:2019 is designed to support a wide range of practical applications, including:

• Utility Asset Management: Helps drinking water utilities of all sizes develop robust asset management frameworks tailored to their operational realities and resource availability.
• Operational Efficiency: Provides utilities with tools and processes for effective operation, maintenance, and rehabilitation of waterworks, facilitating cost savings and service continuity.
• Regulatory and Compliance Support: Aids compliance with regulatory expectations concerning asset management, public health, and environmental protection.
• Risk Mitigation: Promotes the adoption of risk-based planning to reduce asset failures, minimize disruptions, and allocate resources effectively.
• Strategic Planning and Investment: Informs long-term investment strategies, master planning, and prioritization of rehabilitation efforts, helping close the infrastructure gap.
• Stakeholder Communication: Supports clear communication of performance metrics, service levels, and asset management objectives to stakeholders and users.

Related Standards

To ensure a comprehensive approach to water utility asset management, organizations should also refer to:

• ISO 24516-1: Guidelines for management of assets specific to drinking water distribution networks and transmission mains.
• ISO 24510: Service activities relating to drinking water and wastewater - Guidelines for assessing and improving service to users.
• ISO 24512: Guidelines on the management of drinking water utilities and the assessment of drinking water services.
• ISO 55001: Asset management - Management systems - Requirements for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and improving an asset management system.
• ISO 24513: Vocabulary and definitions related to service activities for drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater systems.

By following ISO 24516-2:2019, water utilities can enhance their technical asset management, ensure service reliability, and contribute to public health and environmental sustainability over the long term. This standard is a valuable resource for maintaining and optimizing waterworks, regardless of organizational size or geographical location.