IMC-2020 Presentation 42:12 Minutes
by Clinton Davis, Gwinnett County Water Resources
Located approximately thirty miles northeast of Atlanta Georgia, the Gwinnett County Department of Water Resources (DWR) is a publicly-owned utility that provides safe, clean water for nearly one million residents of Gwinnett County, as well as sustainable protection of local waterbodies. The department is committed to providing excellent water, wastewater and stormwater services at the best possible value to residents and businesses of the county.
DWR is widely recognized for service excellence in the operation of two water production facilities, three water reclamation facilities and more than 200 sewer pump stations. In addition, DWR maintains 3,667 miles of water lines, 2,654 miles of sewer lines and 1,325 miles of stormwater pipe. DWR takes pride in stewardship of the environmental resources entrusted to us and pledge to be responsible as we manage water as a limited, but renewable, resource.
As part of Gwinnett County Water Resources department-wide reorganization in early 2014, a two-tier framework was envisioned to educate and empower staff to implement various condition-based monitoring technologies within Facility Operations. Designed to create a valuable and sustainable program, the first tier is comprised of the maintenance technicians assigned to each facility. The second tier is a separate group of technicians and vibration analyst working under a single manager who provide services across all facilities.
In the fall of 2014, with full leadership support and using a team-based approach, DWR began the implementation of a multi-year program that provides training and certification for both tiers in leading condition-based monitoring technologies, tools and techniques for our critical assets. These areas include infrared thermography, vibration data collection and analysis, precision alignment, airborne ultrasound, motion amplification, UAV inspections, and lubrication best practices. Effective collaboration between teams and working in a continuous improvement framework has allowed the program to evolve and sustain. This program, in conjunction with other key initiatives, has resulted in improved communication across DWR, a deeper understanding of the functions our critical assets, a significant reduction in asset downtime, and an empowered and knowledgeable workforce.
