Asset Management for the City of San Jose: Sanitary Lift Station Condition Assessment Study

Presentation Description: The City of San Jose (City), in collaboration with Black & Veatch, conducted a comprehensive condition assessment of 19 sanitary lift stations at the San Jose-Santa Clara Regional Wastewater Facility (SJRWF) to support long-term capital planning and operational reliability. The study evaluated structural, mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation and control (I&C) assets using a standardized grading matrix in conjunction with field inspections, including drawdown testing and visual assessments. Each lift station was assigned a condition score from 1 (like new) to 5 (failure imminent).

The assessment identified critical deficiencies—such as corrosion, equipment obsolescence, and control system vulnerabilities—and provided prioritized recommendations for rehabilitation and replacement. Key findings include the need for immediate upgrades at Lift Stations 3 and 6 due to severe deterioration, and the strategic replacement of six prefabricated systems to streamline future maintenance. The study also proposed integration of high-water alarms with the facility’s Distributed Control System (DCS), installation of fixed gas monitors to conform to health and safety standards, and a phased implementation schedule aligned with capital improvement planning.

This data-driven approach enables the City to proactively manage asset risk, optimize lifecycle costs, and enhance safety and performance across its wastewater infrastructure. This presentation will highlight the methodologies, implementation strategies, and benefits of this assessment that are applicable to similar facilities nationwide.