Using Digital Technologies in Capital Planning: Parker Water & Sanitation District's Water Supply Capital Planning Process

Using Digital Technologies in Capital Planning: Parker Water & Sanitation District's Water Supply Capital Planning ProcessAbstractIn modern water management, integrating system performance needs with stakeholder input is essential for effective capital planning. Parker Water & Sanitation District (PWSD) is completing a long-term water supply planning process. This presentation outlines the technical aspects of PWSD's approach, which integrated stakeholder input, water supply models, and a decision-support tool for capital planning. The process began with stakeholder workshops to establish objectives, assess system performance gaps, and define alternatives. Multi-criteria decision analysis was employed, allowing input from multiple stakeholders on evaluation criteria and capital plan alternatives that supported increasing water supply or decreasing demands through water efficiency measures. A non-proprietary tool, developed using the Microsoft Power Platform, enabled stakeholders to view how each capital plan variation met system performance metrics, organizational objectives, and budget constraints. Through a consensus-building process, commonalities across the alternative plans were identified, leading to a capital improvement plan that met system performance needs, diverse goals, and budget constraints. Unlike traditional methods that debate a single plan's merits, this approach allowed each stakeholder's perspective to be considered, resulting in improved buy-in, and a plan that is robust and defensible. The decision-support tool clearly demonstrated how each plan addressed needs and goals through embedded visualizations about system performance metrics. This data-driven approach has broad applicability and can serve as a model for other utilities undertaking similar capital planning efforts. PWSD's process represents a significant advancement in capital planning, emphasizing the importance of stakeholder involvement, technological integration, and a methodical approach. It provides a practical roadmap for other utilities, highlighting the role of digital technologies in modern capital planning for water management.This paper was presented at the WEF/AWWA Utility Management Conference, February 13-16, 2024.SpeakerGoldberg, AndrewPresentation time16:00:0016:30:00Session time15:30:0017:00:00SessionBest Practices for Capital Program and Asset ManagementSession number10Session locationOregon Convention Center, Portland, OregonTopicAsset Management and Capital Program FrameworksTopicAsset Management and Capital Program FrameworksAuthor(s)Goldberg, AndrewAuthor(s)A. Goldberg1, E. Abbott2Author affiliation(s)Brown and Caldwell 1; Parker Water & Sanitation District 2;SourceProceedings of the Water Environment FederationDocument typeConference PaperPublisherWater Environment FederationPrint publication date Feb 2024DOI10.2175/193864718825159280Volume / Issue Content sourceUtility Management ConferenceWord count17