A collection system is a major capital investment that depends on regular maintenance and reinvestment to keep it in good working condition. The utility manager's number one goal is to continually improve the quality of the service provided to the customers, while keeping costs down. This goal can be achieved by utilizing tools such as optimization techniques, benchmarking, asset management systems, CMOM and ISO 14000 Compliance tools. While these tools and their applications are documented in the literature, there is no single document available which adequately describes the implementation of these tools. 

The objective of this project is to develop a toolkit of effective practices for the operation and maintenance, management, and capacity assurance of sanitary sewer collection system. The target audience of the toolkit are utility managers as well as technicians and operators who perform operation and maintenance functions.

The toolkit will assist utilities in developing, enhancing, and implementing programs to improve their effectiveness and efficiency. It will help utilities be competitive, reduce the risk of sanitary sewer overflows, and provide proper asset management.