Overview
ISO 24516-1:2016/Amd 1:2025 is an important amendment to the international standard providing guidelines for the management of assets in drinking water distribution networks. Published by ISO, this document enhances the original 2016 standard by introducing updated performance indicators, monitoring requirements, and review processes, supported by additional examples for practical implementation. The amendment aims to improve the reliability, efficiency, and sustainability of water supply systems by guiding utilities on evaluating and managing their drinking water infrastructure assets.
Key Topics
-
Performance Indicators for Drinking Water Networks
The amendment introduces specific performance metrics to evaluate structural, operational, and user-related aspects of water supply systems, enabling continuous monitoring and data-driven management decisions. Key indicators include:
- Structural: number of bursts, interruptions of supply
- Operational: number and duration of maintenance interventions
- User-related: quantity and types of consumer complaints
-
Monitoring and Post-Completion Review
After any maintenance or capital project, the document recommends conducting comprehensive post-completion evaluations. These assessments compare network performance over time, measuring the impact of interventions and identifying areas needing improvement.
-
Financial Impact Analysis
Guidelines specify calculating the financial impact related to reductions in water loss, non-revenue water, and operational expenditure (OPEX) from decreased maintenance efforts.
-
Periodic Review and Communication
Performance achievements must be reviewed regularly and communicated to internal and external stakeholders, including management committees, boards of directors, and involved regulators. This fosters transparency and supports governance under ISO 24540 principles for corporate governance of water utilities.
-
Corrective Actions and Adjustments
When performance is below expectations, detailed investigations should identify root causes, including analysis of complaints, intervention history, pipe materials, and hydraulic equipment. Based on findings, corrective measures may involve adjusting operational strategies, risk criteria, budgets, or functional requirements.
-
Reference Failure Rates and Inspection Frequencies
Annex B provides practical tables with reference failure rates for components such as principal mains, service connections, valves, and hydrants, along with recommended inspection intervals to aid utility asset management and maintenance planning.
Applications
-
Water Utility Asset Management
Helps drinking water utilities enhance the management of distribution networks through structured monitoring and performance evaluation, ensuring sustainable service levels and compliance with regulatory expectations.
-
Operational Efficiency Improvement
Supports water system operators in identifying operational inefficiencies and implementing cost-saving measures through data-driven insights on network performance.
-
Regulatory Reporting and Governance
Facilitates compliance with governance frameworks by establishing clear communication and reporting protocols for asset management performance to stakeholders including regulators and board members.
-
Benchmarking and Performance Goal Setting
Utilities can use the standard’s performance indicators and failure rate data to benchmark their network condition against international best practices and define realistic performance targets.
-
Maintenance Planning and Risk Management
Informs inspection frequency planning and risk evaluation to reduce failure rates, enhance reliability, and optimize maintenance budgets for water distribution infrastructure.
Related Standards
- ISO 24510: Activities relating to drinking water and wastewater services - Guidelines for the management of drinking water utilities and assessment of services
- EN 805: Water supply - Requirements for systems and components outside buildings
- ISO 24540: Principles for effective and efficient corporate governance of water utilities
- DVGW W 400-3 (A): Technical rules for Water Supply Systems – Part 3: Operation and Maintenance
By integrating these complementary standards, water utilities can achieve a holistic approach to asset management, operational performance, and governance within drinking water distribution systems.
Keywords: ISO 24516-1 amendment, water supply asset management, drinking water distribution networks, performance indicators, water infrastructure monitoring, wastewater system guidelines, water utility governance, water network failure rates, water loss reduction, operational efficiency in water utilities
Open preview (PDF)Guidelines for the management of assets of water supply and wastewater systems — Part 1: Drinking water distribution networks — Amendment 1: Performance indicators and requirements for monitoring and review with additional related examples
