Aging and deteriorating drinking water and wastewater pipelines have become a major problem in the United States, warranting significant federal attention and regulation. Many utilities have begun or improved programs to manage the renewal of their water and wastewater pipes and are proactively managing their pipeline assets rather than reactively fixing them. However, the extensive size of drinking water and wastewater systems and the severity of the deterioration problem are such that it is important to prioritize renewal, by assessing the condition of the pipelines and resolving the most severe situations first. There is a variety of condition assessment technologies and methodologies available and in current use. This research incorporates an extensive literature review on actual cases of use of these various condition assessment technologies and techniques. This research also compiles information gathered through interviews and data mining work with utilities across the United States. The combination of case studies collected through literature review and case studies collected directly from utility sources about actual application of drinking water and wastewater pipeline condition assessment practices used have made it possible to synthesize the current practices and trends regarding pipeline condition assessment in the United States. The synthesis also allows for the identification of key lessons learned that should be considered by utilities when implementing condition assessment of pipelines. Recommendations have also been made for research priorities for filling utility needs. / Master of Science

Over the last few years, several advancements have been made in water and wastewater pipe renewal technologies that have allowed utilities to utilize innovative renewal techniques that decrease project costs, the impact of the project on the surrounding citizens and environment, and allow for expedited pipeline renewals compared to traditional open trench methods. The challenge now is in getting utilities to implement new innovative technologies within their system. This thesis provides background information on a number of the technologies available for the renewal of water and wastewater system pipelines. It then provides State of the Art Literature and State of the Art Practice Reviews based on technology use trends in literature and technology use trends in utility practice. The information from both reviews is then synthesized to provide a clear view of the state of the water and wastewater pipeline renewal technology industry, including the trends by pipe material, drivers for renewal, and technology type. / Master of Science