Distribution System Operations & Maintenance

DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM O&M

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The operation and maintenance of water distribution systems includes maintenance of water quality, system management programs, and operation and maintenance of facilities. Explore AWWA’s extensive manuals and standards on this topic to develop a complete program for the management, operation, and maintenance of a small, medium-sized, or large water distribution system.

ANSI/AWWA C810 Replacement and Flushing of Lead Service Lines

The current debate surrounding revisions to the US Lead and Copper Rule has focused more attention on lead service lines (LSL), because if the water delivered through a lead pipe is unstable, lead can leach into the water and ultimately reach customers' taps.

The data shows that particulate lead can still be present after LSL replacement, and that flushing the line, as described in Standard C810, is instrumental in reducing the lead level at the consumer’s tap. AWWA’s Standards Subcommittee on Lead Service Lines developed the new AWWA Standard ANSI/AWWA C810: Replacement and Flushing of Lead Service Lines.

M14 Backflow Prevention and Cross-Connection Control: Recommended Practices

Cross-connection control programs are intended to reduce the risk of contamination or pollution of the public water system. This fourth edition of M14 provides both technical and general guidance on the recommended procedures and practices for developing, operating, and maintaining a cross-connection control and backflow prevention program.

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M68 Distribution System Water Quality

Distribution systems represent the last protective barrier available to water systems to maintain safe and high-quality water. This manual provides a "first stop" for common distribution water system water quality challenges.

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M28 Water Main Rehabilitation

This operations manual provides guidance on selecting the best water-main rehabilitation techniques for your water distribution system. Step-by-step guidance, including costing, is included for cleaning, lining, and replacement.

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M27 External Corrosion Control for Infrastructure

Controlling corrosion, done properly, can help extend the useful life of water infrastructure. Effective prevention or mitigation strategies to control corrosion are appropriate for the material and the environment involved, as well as economically feasible.

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Technical Resources

Valves and Hydrants

AWWA Manuals
M17 Fire Hydrants: Installation, Field Testing, and Maintenance
M44 Distribution Valves: Selection, Installation, Field Testing, and Maintenance
M49 Quarter-Turn Valves: Head Loss, Torque, and Cavitation Analysis
M51 Air Valves: Air-Release, Air/Vacuum & Combination

ANSI/AWWA Standards
Go to our bookstore for a complete list of ANSI-approved standards on valves and hydrants.

Opflow | JournalAWWA | AWWA Water Science
To read the full text, click on the article links below, then login following the “Login with AWWA” button. You must be a current member to read the full text.

What Are the Top 10 Best Practices for Maintaining a Healthy Hydrant? (Opflow, 2020)
Consider the Top Ten Best Practices for Control Valve Operation (Opflow, 2020)
What is Water Hammer, and Why Does it Matter? (Opflow, 2021)

System Storage

AWWA Manuals
M25 Flexible-Membrane Covers and Linings for Potable-Water Reservoirs
M42 Steel Water-Storage Tanks

ANSI/AWWA Standards
Go to our bookstore for a complete list of ANSI-approved standards on tanks.

Opflow | JournalAWWA | AWWA Water Science

To read the full text, click on the article links below, then login following the “Login with AWWA” button. You must be a current member to read the full text.

Take an Asset Management Approach to Concrete Tank Coatings (Opflow, 2020)
Routine Maintenance Prolongs a Storage Tank's Life (Opflow, 2020)

Backflow and Cross-Connection Control

AWWA Manuals
M14 Backflow Prevention and Cross-Connection Control

ANSI/AWWA Standards
Go to our bookstore for a complete list of ANSI-approved standards on backflow preventers.

Improve Customer Communication for Better Cross-Connection Control (Opflow, 2020)

Customer Metering

AWWA Manuals
M6 Water Meters - Selection, Installation, Testing, and Maintenance
M22 Sizing Water Service Lines and Meters
M33 Flowmeters in Water Supply

ANSI/AWWA Standards
Go to our bookstore for a complete list of ANSI-approved standards on meters.

Research Sheds Light on Age‐Old Problem of Meter and Service Line Sizing (JournalAWWA, 2020)
21st‐Century Water Meters Maximize Precision (Opflow, 2021)

Corrosion Control

If you are looking for information on corrosion control specific to lead management issues please visit our Resources on Managing Lead in Drinking Water

AWWA Manuals
M27 External Corrosion Control for Infrastructure Sustainability
M58 Internal Corrosion Control in Water Distribution Systems
M68 Water Quality in Distribution Systems

Evolving Utility Practices and Experiences with Corrosion Control (JournalAWWA, 2020)
A 30‐year review of copper pitting corrosion and pinhole leaks: Achievements and research gaps (AWWA Water Science, 2021)

Events & Education
Policy & Advocacy
Get Involved

Water Infrastructure Conference and Exposition

Join us as AWWA hosts the Water Infrastructure Conference & Exposition, an event focused on solutions to infrastructure challenges. This conference addresses essential asset management planning and programs, the latest on lead service line issues, water loss, operation and maintenance best practices, and reinvestment strategies. Critical infrastructure protection through emergency preparedness planning and enhanced physical and cyber security measures are also covered.

AWWA Annual Conference and Exposition

AWWA's Annual Conference and Exposition is where the most current industry topics, issues, and trends will be discussed. The professional program features subject matter experts covering a range of key water topics to address your challenges.

AWWA Policy Statements

AWWA's policy statements are brief statements on protecting and improving water supply, water quality, management, and the interests of the public and the environment. They are written by consensus, subject to review and comment by AWWA committees, councils, and members. Because they represent AWWA's position on these matters, they are approved by the AWWA Executive Committee of the board of directors.

Technical Committee Engagement

AWWA members are recognized globally for their industry expertise and their generosity in sharing that expertise for a better world through better water. AWWA members participate in committee activities, developing conference programs, writing technical manuals, developing standards, creating educational content and contributing to AWWA publications. Committee members primarily interact through conference calls, emails, and face to face meetings at conferences and events. Access more information on volunteering for an AWWA committee.