Frequently Asked
Questions
WHAT CAN THE SERVICE PROVIDE MY WATER UTILITY?
ANALYTICS: We utilize deep learning models (DLM) to establish an anticipated end of useful life timeframe for each pipe segment in your system. The model evaluates existing break data and incorporates physical, environmental and operational features unique to your system, for an individualized replacement strategy. Because the DLM continuously learns from new data inputs, the likelihood of failure (LOF) analysis is dynamic and will progressively shift your asset management strategy from reactive to proactive.
COST-OF-SERVICE: We will develop short-term and long-term rate models based on future revenue needs to help you calibrate your pipe replacement program with user rates. This gives your policy makers and rate payers perspective on how and where rate revenues will be spent and provides your stakeholders with technical insight to support anticipated rate increases.
TECHNOLOGY: We will equip your crews with the tools they need to seamlessly record failure events in the field. This allows for more accurate insights on your water system’s performance and ultimately results in a more precise likelihood of failure model.
WHAT IF MY AGENCY’S BREAK DATA IS NOT IN GIS?
Not to worry! Whether your data is written down on paper, in a spreadsheet program such as MS Excel or in your CMMS system, your existing break data will be geocoded and consolidated into GIS. All future breaks will automatically be uploaded and available in GIS using the Mapping Tools app.
WHAT IS GLOBAL DLM?
We understand that not all agencies have a large database of recorded historical break data. The Global DLM gives your agency initial insight based on a global likelihood of failure analysis with custom geographical, physical and environmental inputs unique to your system.
WHAT ARE THE REGULATORY GUIDELINES FOR MAINTAINING AND REPORTING BREAK DATA?
In the State of California, as a component of the Water Loss Performance Standards, each urban retail water supplier, except those meeting the criteria in section 982 (d), shall submit a registry of breaks, repairs and estimated water losses to the Board every three years.
(1) The registry shall contain the latest three years of data, beginning with data for 2025, 2026, and 2027 due by January 1, 2029.
(2) The registry shall be submitted on a spreadsheet readable by the Board that contains at a minimum the following data: break identifier (for example, name, number, cross street), date and time the break was found, date and time the break was repaired, estimated duration of the break and estimated water volume lost through the break.
Additional information on the State Water Resource Control Board break registry attribution requirements can be found here.
WHAT IS LOF AND COF AND HOW DOES IT FACTOR INTO BRE?
Not all failures are created equal. While every customer is important, the consequences of a failure (COF) in any one part of your system vary. For example, the system could be serving a hospital, may be under a highway or serving a downtown business district. We will work with you to develop a COF roadmap and chart COF versus LOF to develop a business risk exposure matrix (BRE). This analysis will help you determine if replacing pipe segments with a high COF and LOF of 10-years is a more prudent strategy than replacing a pipe with an LOF of 5-years in a cul-de-sac serving residential homes.