City of Houston

"Optimizing Public Works Department's Wastewater System"

Can Houston optimize its wastewater system by tackling business and enterprise asset management issues?

MWH is helping the large U.S. metropolitan area accomplish just that. Our experts are partnering with Houston's public works department to merge engineering and technological expertise with the time-honored tradition of Texas hospitality.

When MWH successfully completed the US $1.2 billion wet-weather program to improve Houston's wastewater system, city officials were eager to optimize the utility's performance even further.

Efficient Workflow Systems

MWH employees are working closely with Houston's public utilities staff to meet a number of multiple challenges, including:

• Optimizing the wastewater system's overall performance
• Strengthening the utility's regulatory compliance
• Enhancing its customer service, particularly at the neighborhood level

Using a number of asset management techniques, these professionals are identifying and prioritizing operating, maintenance and capital renewal issues for the utility. The group is introducing a number of tools and workflow systems to enhance productivity.

Mobile Work Force Tools

The MWH-Houston team is employing advanced technologies, business-enabling tools and services on the asset management project. Mobile work force tools are playing an important role in the effort.

Portable, handheld computers have been integrated into the city's utility maintenance branch. This allows the unit's field inspectors to record construction activity and develop progress reports from the field. Previously, these time-consuming tasks were done by hand in the office after the day's inspections were completed. As a result, the utility experienced significant overtime requirements from its staff.

The new technology tools allow client personnel to minimize office time and spend more time in the field monitoring construction quality and trouble-shooting customer needs.

As a result, Houston's utility staff can focus on what's most important — their customers. It's a win-win situation for everyone involved.