ISO 24516-3:2017

Overview - ISO 24516-3:2017 (Wastewater collection networks)

ISO 24516-3:2017 provides guidelines for the management of assets of wastewater collection networks. It focuses on technical aspects, tools and good practices to preserve value from existing sewer and drainage assets. The standard covers strategic, tactical and operational activities for investigation, assessment, planning, implementation, operation & maintenance, and rehabilitation of wastewater networks. It is intended for utilities of all sizes and the various roles that manage network assets (asset owners, asset managers, operators and service providers).

Key technical topics and requirements

• Objectives, functional and performance requirements - define what the network must deliver and how to measure performance.
• Principles of asset management - integration of utility objectives, system performance and lifecycle thinking.
• Investigation and data collection - guidance on inventory, failure records, condition data, geo-referencing and planning investigations.
• Types of investigation - hydraulic, environmental, structural and operational assessments to identify constraints and risks.
• Assessment methods - assessing hydraulic performance, environmental impacts, structural condition and operational performance against requirements.
• Risk and life‑cycle approaches - risk-based evaluation and life-cycle considerations for prioritizing interventions.
• Planning and action plans - developing integrated solutions, assessing options and preparing strategic, tactical and operational plans.
• Implementation, monitoring and performance review - procedures for carrying out works, monitoring outcomes and reviewing performance.
• Operation, maintenance and rehabilitation - guidance on routine O&M, tactical mid‑term rehabilitation planning and strategic budgeting/prioritization.
• Documentation - recording decisions, performance metrics and continuous improvement processes.

Practical applications and who uses this standard

• Water/wastewater utilities - to structure asset management programs for sewer networks, improve service delivery and reduce lifecycle costs.
• Asset managers & engineers - for condition assessment, hydraulic modelling, risk-based prioritization and rehabilitation planning.
• Operations and maintenance teams - to align O&M practices with strategic objectives and monitor performance.
• Consultants and service providers - to design investigations, prepare action plans and implement rehabilitation measures.
• Regulators and owners - to set performance requirements, evaluate utility plans and ensure accountability.

Practical uses include developing network inventories and GIS datasets, prioritizing pipe renewal, planning pumping and conveyance upgrades, and establishing performance indicators for environmental compliance and service continuity.

Related standards

• Other parts of the ISO 24516 series (e.g., ISO 24516‑4 covers pumping stations, retention/detention and treatment‑related assets).
• The standard was prepared by ISO/TC 224 (service activities relating to water and wastewater systems).

Keywords: ISO 24516-3, wastewater collection networks, asset management, sewer network rehabilitation, condition assessment, risk‑based prioritization, water utility best practices.