Asset management is a critical tool that helps communities manage their infrastructure and capital assets to minimize operating costs while maintaining high levels of service. Targeting its water system assets, Harrison Township was awarded a $328,116 Drinking Water Asset Management (DWAM) Grant to improve its distribution system materials inventory and update its Asset Management Plan. Funded by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy through the Michigan Clean Water Plan, the Township’s efforts will improve their ability to troubleshoot problems in the field and identify and prioritize infrastructure that needs to be replaced in the future.

Existing water service line materials classified as “unknown” on the Township’s preliminary Distribution System Materials Inventory (DSMI) will be identified. Service lines will be verified by excavation, while service line materials will be verified through hydro excavation in select locations. This work will help the Township identify system needs to be used in state and federal funding applications.

Activities to enhance the existing water system inventory and condition assessment will also be undertaken. The Township proposes to add 8,467 water service line shutoff valves to the inventory. In addition, 1,205 hydrants and 1,055 system valves depicted in the Township GIS are missing coordinate data to accurately locate them. A handheld GPS unit will be purchased and used to locate these assets. Wade Trim is supporting this work by updating the Township’s Drinking Water Asset Management Plan (AMP) and providing grant administration services.