The strategic choice approach to the maintenance management of a water distribution system

Abstract

In a water distribution system, maintenance is an essential pillar to ensure that an efficient service is provided and to combat problems such as real water losses. Managing such a system’s maintenance needs involves multiple stakeholders, subjective variables, and requires a learning process to find a solution. Structuring the problem can provide clarity for the situation under analysis, especially by resolving the need to establish integrated management among different water company sectors. In this instance, the strategic choice approach is proposed as a framework to align maintenance management perspectives with the system’s network so as to reduce losses and ensure greater social benefits. A case study in a metropolitan region of Brazil was presented. A strategic plan is developed that features comprehensive actions and practices for enriching the control of critical decision areas and their uncertainties. The importance of establishing partnerships with universities was one distinguishing factor in the outcomes.