Optimizing Valve Management: Integrating Valve Criticality Analysis and Condition Data for a Comprehensive Valve Management Program

Operable isolation valves are integral to maintain the integrity of water systems and efficiently manage incidents of service interruptions, whether planned or unforeseen. As part of a proactive water asset management program, the City of Baltimore has implemented a routine valve exercising program to comprehensively assess the location, accessibility, and operational status of valves within the Baltimore Metropolitan Water Distribution System (BMWDS). To better aid in the implementation of such a program, this paper presents a valve criticality analysis for the active isolation valves in the BMWDS to prioritize the most critical valves, thereby enhancing the City’s valve asset management strategies. Rehabilitation work batches were developed for implementation to facilitate addressing the rehabilitation needs of inoperable valves. As of December 2023, most inoperable valves in the top 10% criticality have been reassessed and repaired. The remaining valves are planned for further intervention actions.