Canada's Core Public Infrastructure Survey, 2018 - Wastewater Assets

Canada's core public infrastructure can vary within each municipality in Canada as a result of size of population, geographic location and overall economic condition. Canada's core public infrastructure survey will be measuring the following key components within the municipality: asset ownership; asset management planning; overall condition of core public asset infrastructure and overall performance of these core public assets.

Organization refers to municipal, regional, provincial, federal government or Indigenous entities (such as a Band council) who own a core public infrastructure.

Own refers to assets owned by your organization as well as assets leased by your organization through a capital lease agreement.

Wastewater assets include the following:
Non-linear wastewater assets include wastewater treatment plants, lagoon systems, wastewater pump stations, wastewater lift stations and wastewater storage tanks owned by your organization or leased by your organization through a capital lease agreement.

Linear wastewater assets include sewer pipes and sanitary forcemains owned by your organization or leased by your
organization through a capital lease agreement.

Inventory and physical assessment of wastewater assets - Question identifier:1

In 2016, did your organization provide wastewater services (treatment or collection) to other municipalities or organizations?

Wastewater services includes any non-linear wastewater or linear wastewater services provided to other municipalities or organizations.

• 1: Yes: Please list these municipalities or organizations
• 2: No

Inventory and physical assessment of wastewater assets - Question identifier:2

What was your organization's final inventory count of non-linear wastewater assets as of December 31, 2016?

Non-linear wastewater assets includes wastewater treatment plants, lagoon systems, wastewater pump stations and wastewater storage tanks owned by your organization or leased by your organization through a capital lease agreement.

If you do not own or lease an asset listed below, please check Does not apply.

• 1: Wastewater treatment plants (include sludge handling plants)
• 2: Lagoon systems
• 3: Wastewater pump stations
• 4: Wastewater lift stations
• 5: Wastewater storage tanks

Inventory and physical assessment of wastewater assets - Question identifier:3

In 2016, what was the total length (in kilometres) of the linear wastewater collection systems (sanitary and combined sewers) owned by your organization?

Linear wastewater assets includes sewer pipes and sanitary forcemains owned by your organization or leased by your organization through a capital lease agreement.

If you do not own or lease an asset listed below, please check Does not apply.
Please report in kilometres.

• 1: Sewer pipes (diameter: < 450 mm)
• 2: Sewer pipes (diameter: = 450 mm to < 1,500 mm)
• 3: Sewer pipes (diameter: = 1,500 mm)
• 4: Sewer pipes (of unknown diameter)
• 5: Sanitary forcemains

Inventory and physical assessment of wastewater assets - Question identifier:4

As of December 31, 2016, indicate the count/kilometres distribution of your wastewater assets inventory based on the year of completed construction?

Each selected asset for questions 2 and 3 should have a count/kilometre distribution below.

Wastewater treatment plants (include sludge handling plants)

• 1: 2016
• 2: 2010 to 2015
• 3: 2000 to 2009
• 4: 1970 to 1999
• 5: 1940 to 1969
• 6: Prior to 1940
• 7: Do not know

Lagoon systems

• 1: 2016
• 2: 2010 to 2015
• 3: 2000 to 2009
• 4: 1970 to 1999
• 5: 1940 to 1969
• 6: Prior to 1940
• 7: Do not know

Wastewater pump stations

• 1: 2016
• 2: 2010 to 2015
• 3: 2000 to 2009
• 4: 1970 to 1999
• 5: 1940 to 1969
• 6: Prior to 1940
• 7: Do not know

Wastewater lift stations

• 1: 2016
• 2: 2010 to 2015
• 3: 2000 to 2009
• 4: 1970 to 1999
• 5: 1940 to 1969
• 6: Prior to 1940
• 7: Do not know

Wastewater storage tanks

• 1: 2016
• 2: 2010 to 2015
• 3: 2000 to 2009
• 4: 1970 to 1999
• 5: 1940 to 1969
• 6: Prior to 1940
• 7: Do not know

Sewer pipes (diameter: <450mm)

• 1: 2016
• 2: 2010 to 2015
• 3: 2000 to 2009
• 4: 1970 to 1999
• 5: 1940 to 1969
• 6: Prior to 1940
• 7: Do not know

Sewer pipes (diameter: =450mm to <1,500mm)

• 1: 2016
• 2: 2010 to 2015
• 3: 2000 to 2009
• 4: 1970 to 1999
• 5: 1940 to 1969
• 6: Prior to 1940
• 7: Do not know

Sewer pipes (diameter: =1,500mm)

• 1: 2016
• 2: 2010 to 2015
• 3: 2000 to 2009
• 4: 1970 to 1999
• 5: 1940 to 1969
• 6: Prior to 1940
• 7: Do not know

Sewer pipes (of unknown diameter)

• 1: 2016
• 2: 2010 to 2015
• 3: 2000 to 2009
• 4: 1970 to 1999
• 5: 1940 to 1969
• 6: Prior to 1940
• 7: Do not know

Sanitary forcemains

• 1: 2016
• 2: 2010 to 2015
• 3: 2000 to 2009
• 4: 1970 to 1999
• 5: 1940 to 1969
• 6: Prior to 1940
• 7: Do not know

Inventory and physical assessment of wastewater assets - Question identifier:5

What is the condition assessment cycle for your wastewater assets?

Condition assessment cycle: The period of time required to assess all the assets of a particular type owned by the organization as well as all of the assets of a particular type leased by the organization through a capital lease agreement.

Please select one condition assessment cycle per asset.

Wastewater treatment plants (include sludge handling plants)

• 1: 1 year
• 2: 2 years
• 3: 3 to 5 years
• 4: 5 to 10 years
• 5: More than 10 years
• 6: Does not apply
• 7: Do not know

Lagoon systems

• 1: 1 year
• 2: 2 years
• 3: 3 to 5 years
• 4: 5 to 10 years
• 5: More than 10 years
• 6: Does not apply
• 7: Do not know

Wastewater pump stations

• 1: 1 year
• 2: 2 years
• 3: 3 to 5 years
• 4: 5 to 10 years
• 5: More than 10 years
• 6: Does not apply
• 7: Do not know

Wastewater lift stations

• 1: 1 year
• 2: 2 years
• 3: 3 to 5 years
• 4: 5 to 10 years
• 5: More than 10 years
• 6: Does not apply
• 7: Do not know

Wastewater storage tanks

• 1: 1 year
• 2: 2 years
• 3: 3 to 5 years
• 4: 5 to 10 years
• 5: More than 10 years
• 6: Does not apply
• 7: Do not know

Sewer pipes (diameter: <450mm)

• 1: 1 year
• 2: 2 years
• 3: 3 to 5 years
• 4: 5 to 10 years
• 5: More than 10 years
• 6: Does not apply
• 7: Do not know

Sewer pipes (diameter: =450mm to <1,500mm)

• 1: 1 year
• 2: 2 years
• 3: 3 to 5 years
• 4: 5 to 10 years
• 5: More than 10 years
• 6: Does not apply
• 7: Do not know

Sewer pipes (diameter: =1,500mm)

• 1: 1 year
• 2: 2 years
• 3: 3 to 5 years
• 4: 5 to 10 years
• 5: More than 10 years
• 6: Does not apply
• 7: Do not know

Sewer pipes (of unknown diameter)

• 1: 1 year
• 2: 2 years
• 3: 3 to 5 years
• 4: 5 to 10 years
• 5: More than 10 years
• 6: Does not apply
• 7: Do not know

Sanitary forcemains

• 1: 1 year
• 2: 2 years
• 3: 3 to 5 years
• 4: 5 to 10 years
• 5: More than 10 years
• 6: Does not apply
• 7: Do not know

Inventory and physical assessment of wastewater assets - Question identifier:6

Please indicate the assessment tool used to complete the physical condition assessment of your organization's wastewater assets in 2016.

Mark all that apply for each wastewater asset owned or leased by your organization.
Each selected asset for questions 2 and 3 should have a physical condition assessment below.

Inventory and physical assessment of wastewater assets - Question identifier:6.1

Based on detailed inspection and analysis guidelines or procedures

• 1: Wastewater treatment plants (include sludge handling plants)
• 2: Lagoon systems
• 3: Wastewater pump stations
• 4: Wastewater lift stations
• 5: Wastewater storage tanks

• 1: Sewer pipes (diameter: < 450 mm)
• 2: Sewer pipes (diameter: = 450 mm to < 1,500 mm)
• 3: Sewer pipes (diameter: = 1,500 mm)
• 4: Sewer pipes (of unknown diameter)
• 5: Sanitary forcemains

Inventory and physical assessment of wastewater assets - Question identifier:6.2

Based on municipal representative working experience with asset

• 1: Wastewater treatment plants (include sludge handling plants)
• 2: Lagoon systems
• 3: Wastewater pump stations
• 4: Wastewater lift stations
• 5: Wastewater storage tanks

• 1: Sewer pipes (diameter: < 450 mm)
• 2: Sewer pipes (diameter: = 450 mm to < 1,500 mm)
• 3: Sewer pipes (diameter: = 1,500 mm)
• 4: Sewer pipes (of unknown diameter)
• 5: Sanitary forcemains

Inventory and physical assessment of wastewater assets - Question identifier:6.3

Using proxy information such as age of material, soil environment and estimated service life

• 1: Wastewater treatment plants (include sludge handling plants)
• 2: Lagoon systems
• 3: Wastewater pump stations
• 4: Wastewater lift stations
• 5: Wastewater storage tanks

• 1: Sewer pipes (diameter: < 450 mm)
• 2: Sewer pipes (diameter: = 450 mm to < 1,500 mm)
• 3: Sewer pipes (diameter: = 1,500 mm)
• 4: Sewer pipes (of unknown diameter)
• 5: Sanitary forcemains

Inventory and physical assessment of wastewater assets - Question identifier:6.4

Do not know

• 1: Wastewater treatment plants (include sludge handling plants)
• 2: Lagoon systems
• 3: Wastewater pump stations
• 4: Wastewater lift stations
• 5: Wastewater storage tanks

• 1: Sewer pipes (diameter: < 450 mm)
• 2: Sewer pipes (diameter: = 450 mm to < 1,500 mm)
• 3: Sewer pipes (diameter: = 1,500 mm)
• 4: Sewer pipes (of unknown diameter)
• 5: Sanitary forcemains

Inventory and physical assessment of wastewater assets - Question identifier:7

In 2016, what was the overall physical condition of your organization's wastewater assets?
Please indicate the percentage distribution of your wastewater assets by using the following condition rating scale.

Very poor: The asset is unfit for sustained service. Near or beyond expected service life, widespread signs of advanced deterioration, some assets may be unusable.
Poor: Increasing potential of affecting service. The asset is approaching end of service life; condition below standard and a large portion of system exhibits significant deterioration.
Fair: The asset requires attention. The assets show signs of deterioration and some elements exhibit deficiencies.
Good: The asset is adequate. Acceptable, generally within mid stage of expected service life.
Very good: Asset is fit for the future. Well maintained, good condition, new or recently rehabilitated.

Each selected asset for questions 2 and 3 should have a percent distribution below.
Each reporting asset must total to 100%.

Wastewater treatment plants (include sludge handling plants)

• 1: Very poor
• 2: Poor
• 3: Fair
• 4: Good
• 5: Very good
• 6: Do not know

Lagoon systems

• 1: Very poor
• 2: Poor
• 3: Fair
• 4: Good
• 5: Very good
• 6: Do not know

Wastewater pump stations

• 1: Very poor
• 2: Poor
• 3: Fair
• 4: Good
• 5: Very good
• 6: Do not know

Wastewater lift stations

• 1: Very poor
• 2: Poor
• 3: Fair
• 4: Good
• 5: Very good
• 6: Do not know

Wastewater storage tanks

• 1: Very poor
• 2: Poor
• 3: Fair
• 4: Good
• 5: Very good
• 6: Do not know

Sewer pipes (diameter: <450mm)

• 1: Very poor
• 2: Poor
• 3: Fair
• 4: Good
• 5: Very good
• 6: Do not know

Sewer pipes (diameter: =450mm to <1,500mm)

• 1: Very poor
• 2: Poor
• 3: Fair
• 4: Good
• 5: Very good
• 6: Do not know

Sewer pipes (diameter: =1,500mm)

• 1: Very poor
• 2: Poor
• 3: Fair
• 4: Good
• 5: Very good
• 6: Do not know

Sewer pipes (of unknown diameter)

• 1: Very poor
• 2: Poor
• 3: Fair
• 4: Good
• 5: Very good
• 6: Do not know

Sanitary forcemains

• 1: Very poor
• 2: Poor
• 3: Fair
• 4: Good
• 5: Very good
• 6: Do not know

Asset management and performance - Question identifier:8

Does your organization have a wastewater asset management plan?

An Asset Management Plan defines how a group of assets is to be managed over a period of time. The asset management plan describes the characteristics and condition of infrastructure assets, the levels of service expected from them, planned actions to ensure the assets are providing the expected level of service, and financing strategies to implement the planned actions.

• 1: Yes
• 2: No

Asset management and performance - Question identifier:9

How often does your organization update the current wastewater asset management plan?

Mark one only.

• 1: Every year
• 2: Every two to four years
• 3: Every five years or more
• 4: Does not update
• 5: Other — please specify:
• 6: Do not know

Asset management and performance - Question identifier:10

When does your organization plan on implementing a wastewater asset management plan?

Mark one only.

• 1: In one year
• 2: In two to four years
• 3: In five years or more
• 4: Other — please specify:
• 5: Do not plan to implement an asset management plan
• 6: Do not know

Asset management and performance - Question identifier:11

What type of asset management information system does your organization use to manage your wastewater assets?

Mark all that apply.

• 1: Custom asset management software
• 2: Off-the-shelf asset management software
• 3: Spreadsheet
• 4: Paper records
• 5: Other — please specify:
• 6: No asset management information system
• 7: Do not know

Asset management and performance - Question identifier:12

In 2016, what was the total rated capacity (in cubic meters) of the temporary storage infrastructure for the wastewater collection system (separated and combined wastewater sewers) owned by your organization?

Exclude treatment plant unit operations and separated storm water sewers.

In-system wastewater storage tanks and tunnels

• 1: Cubic metres
• 2: Do not know

Other — please specify:

• 1: Cubic metres
• 2: Do not know

Total storage capacity

• 1: Cubic metres
• 2: Do not know

Asset management and performance - Question identifier:13

In 2016, what was the total rated capacity (in cubic metres/day) of the wastewater treatment plants owned by your organization?

Wastewater treatment plants

• 1: Cubic metres/day
• 2: Do not know

Asset management and performance - Question identifier:14

Has your organization implemented a full cost-recovery strategy for wastewater services?

Full cost recovery: Recovering full costs provided within the user rates charged to customers of the system.
Full costs: Includes operating costs, financing costs, renewal and replacement costs, and improvement costs associated with extracting, treating, or distributing water to the public and such other costs which may be specified by regulation.

• 1: Yes
• 2: No

Asset management and performance - Question identifier:15

When does your organization plan on implementing a full cost recovery strategy for wastewater?

Mark one only.

• 1: Never
• 2: In 1 year
• 3: In 2 to 3 years
• 4: In 4 to 5 years
• 5: In more than 5 years
• 6: Other — please specify
• 7: Do not know

Asset management and performance - Question identifier:16

In 2016, did your organization's wastewater collection system have combined sewers?

Combined sewer: a sewer that is designed to collect surface runoff and storm water in such a manner that it mixes with wastewater.

• 1: Yes
• 2: No
• 3: Do not know

Asset management and performance - Question identifier:17

In 2016, how many total hours and days was untreated wastewater released from combined sewers?

• 1: Days
• 2: Hours
• 3: Do not know

Asset management and performance - Question identifier:18

In 2016, what was the volume of untreated wastewater released from combined sewers?

• 1: cubic metres
• 2: Did not calculate
• 3: Do not know

Asset management and performance - Question identifier:19

What is the percentage (by length of sewer) of the total wastewater collection system that is combined in 2016?

Asset management and performance - Question identifier:20

Do you have a plan to separate your combined sewers?

• 1: Yes
• 2: No
• 3: Do not know

Asset management and performance - Question identifier:21

When does your organization expect the plan to separate combined sewers to be completed?

Mark one only.

• 1: In 1 to 5 years
• 2: In 6 to 10 years
• 3: In 11 to 15 years
• 4: In 16 to 20 years
• 5: Other — please specify
• 6: Do not know

Asset management and performance - Question identifier:22

In 2016, did your organization have the capability to determine if wastewater was released to a receiving body of water by:

Mark all that apply.

• 1: Continuous monitoring
• 2: Estimates from numerical modelling
• 3: None
• 4: Do not know

Asset management and performance - Question identifier:23

In 2016, did your organization map the locations where the wastewater is released to a receiving body of water?

• 1: Yes
• 2: No

Asset management and performance - Question identifier:24

In 2016, did your wastewater system release untreated wastewater into the environment?

• 1: Yes
• 2: No
• 3: Do not know

Asset management and performance - Question identifier:25

In 2016, what was the volume of untreated wastewater released as a result of a disruption or planned maintenance to your organization's wastewater system (collection or treatment)?

Do not include wastewater released due to precipitation (including snowmelt) from combined sewers, unless this release was also as a result of a disruption.

• 1: cubic metres
• 2: Do not know

Asset management and performance - Question identifier:26

What were the causes of the disruptions in 2016?

Mark all that apply.

• 1: Pump station or lift station failure not due to power outage
• 2: Power outage
• 3: Flooding
• 4: Planned maintenance
• 5: Other — please specify
• 6: Do not know

Asset management and performance - Question identifier:27

In 2016, what percentage of annual wastewater volume in all overflows, outfalls, and treatment plants was extraneous flow (non-sanitary)?

Mark one only.

• 1: Less than 5 %
• 2: 5 % to 10 %
• 3: 11 % to 20 %
• 4: 21 % to 30 %
• 5: 31 % to 40 %
• 6: 41 % to 50 %
• 7: 51 % to 75 %
• 8: Greater than 75 %
• 9: Do not know

Asset management and performance - Question identifier:28a

In 2016, how many flood events occurred in your jurisdiction that your organization knows were attributable to your organization's wastewater collection system?

• 1: Count
• 2: Data not collected
• 3: Do not know

Asset management and performance - Question identifier:28b

In 2016, how many of these flood events resulted in property damage?

• 1: Count
• 2: Data not collected
• 3: Do not know

Asset management and performance - Question identifier:29

Does your organization's wastewater system need to be upgraded to meet the effluent quality standards of the Federal Wastewater Systems Effluent Regulations?

• 1: Yes
• 2: No
• 3: Do not know

Asset management and performance - Question identifier:30

What is the estimated capital infrastructure cost to upgrade your organization's wastewater system to meet the effluent quality standards of the Federal Wastewater Systems Effluent Regulation?

Report in thousands of dollars

Asset management and performance - Question identifier:31a

In 2016, did your organization permit new runoff connections to the sanitary and/or combined sewer system (e.g. roof drains, foundation drains, catchbasins, etc.)?

• 1: Yes
• 2: No

Asset management and performance - Question identifier:31b

In 2016, did your organization collect data on the number or location of these connections?

• 1: Yes
• 2: No

Asset management and performance - Question identifier:31c

In 2016, how many new run-off connections did your organization permit?

• 1: Count
• 2: Data not collected

Asset management and performance - Question identifier:32a

In 2016, did your organization have a program to inform and encourage the use of backflow prevention such as backwater valves?

This applies for those existing homes in your jurisdiction connected to a sanitary or combined sewer system by service laterals.

• 1: Yes
• 2: No

Asset management and performance - Question identifier:32b

In 2016, did your organization collect data on the number or location of backflow prevention devices installed?

• 1: Yes
• 2: No

Asset management and performance - Question identifier:32c

In 2016, how many backflow prevention devices were installed?

• 1: Count
• 2: Data not collected

Asset management and performance - Question identifier:33

For new homes built in your jurisdiction connected to a sanitary or combined sewer system by service laterals, does your organization require backflow prevention such as backwater valves?

• 1: Yes
• 2: No

Assets value and expenses of wastewater - Question identifier:34

What is the 2016 estimated replacement value, required renewal budget, and actual renewal budget of wastewater assets owned by your organization?

Estimated replacement value: the approximate cost at the present time required to replace an asset, including demolition costs.
Does not include land costs or overhead such as administration.

2016 required renewal budget: the budget required for rehabilitation, reconstruction, or replacement of the assets to bring rating of all assets to a rating of "good" within the 2016 reference year. These include any activities which increase the performance or capacity of existing fixed assets or significantly extend their previously expected service lives.
2016 actual renewal budget: the actual funds spent for the rehabilitation, reconstruction a replacement of the assets. These include any activities which increase the performance or capacity of existing fixed assets or significantly extend their previously expected service lives.

Required renewal budget and actual renewal budget does not include cost of regular maintenance and repairs. Maintenance and repairs: Ordinary maintenance and repairs of fixed assets are activities that owners or users of fixed assets are obliged to undertake periodically in order to be able to utilise assets over their expected service lives (they are current costs that cannot be avoided if the fixed assets are to continue to be used). Maintenance and repairs do not change the fixed asset or its performance, but simply maintain it in good working order or restore it to its previous condition in the event of a breakdown.
Each asset should correspond to question 2 and 3.

Estimated replacement value

• 1: Wastewater treatment plants (include sludge handling plants)
• 2: Lagoon systems
• 3: Wastewater pump stations
• 4: Wastewater lift stations
• 5: Wastewater storage tanks

• 1: Sewer pipes (diameter: < 450 mm)
• 2: Sewer pipes (diameter: = 450 mm to < 1,500 mm)
• 3: Sewer pipes (diameter: = 1,500 mm)
• 4: Sewer pipes (of unknown diameter)
• 5: Sanitary forcemains

Required renewal budget

• 1: Wastewater treatment plants (include sludge handling plants)
• 2: Lagoon systems
• 3: Wastewater pump stations
• 4: Wastewater lift stations
• 5: Wastewater storage tanks

• 1: Sewer pipes (diameter: < 450 mm)
• 2: Sewer pipes (diameter: = 450 mm to < 1,500 mm)
• 3: Sewer pipes (diameter: = 1,500 mm)
• 4: Sewer pipes (of unknown diameter)
• 5: Sanitary forcemains

Actual renewal budget

• 1: Wastewater treatment plants (include sludge handling plants)
• 2: Lagoon systems
• 3: Wastewater pump stations
• 4: Wastewater lift stations
• 5: Wastewater storage tanks

• 1: Sewer pipes (diameter: < 450 mm)
• 2: Sewer pipes (diameter: = 450 mm to < 1,500 mm)
• 3: Sewer pipes (diameter: = 1,500 mm)
• 4: Sewer pipes (of unknown diameter)
• 5: Sanitary forcemains

Assets value and expenses of wastewater - Question identifier:35

In 2016, what was the total value associated with new non-linear wastewater assets and linear wastewater assets owned by your organization?

New non-linear wastewater assets and linear wastewater assets include the value of new construction, acquisition of assets, and the value of donated assets.

Non-linear wastewater assets

• 1: Amount

Linear wastewater assets

• 1: Amount

Assets value and expenses of wastewater - Question identifier:36

In 2016, what was the expected useful life (in years) of new non-linear wastewater assets and linear wastewater assets owned by your organization?

New non-linear wastewater assets and linear wastewater assets include new construction, acquisition of assets, and donated assets.
Expected useful life of an asset refers to the service life or the productive life of the asset at the time of its acquisition regardless of their lives
reported for income tax purposes.

• 1: Wastewater treatment plants (include sludge handling plants)
• 2: Lagoon systems
• 3: Wastewater pump stations
• 4: Wastewater lift stations
• 5: Wastewater storage tanks

• 1: Sewer pipes (diameter: < 450 mm)
• 2: Sewer pipes (diameter: = 450 mm to < 1,500 mm)
• 3: Sewer pipes (diameter: = 1,500 mm)
• 4: Sewer pipes (of unknown diameter)
• 5: Sanitary forcemains

Feedback - Question identifier:1

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• Note: Include the time spent gathering the necessary information.
• 1: Hours
• 2: Minutes

Feedback - Question identifier:2

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