The impact of maintenance systems on water supply : a case study of a utility company

Abstract: Approximately 50% of water pumped through distribution systems by the company under study is lost due to water-pipeline leakages and bursts resulting in high water pipeline downtime due to lack of a proper maintenance system. The purpose of the research was to develop a maintenance model to be used in the minimization of the water pipeline downtime. Assessment of the current maintenance system with a focus on mean time to repair (MTTR) and the amount of water lost were the objectives set. Exploratory research design was used in which data was collected using structured questionnaires, interviews and company records. The sample size for the research was small resulting in the consideration of the entire population. Data was analyzed using Microsoft excel and POM windows. The results showed 67% breakdown maintenance and 33% preventive maintenance systems were practiced in the department. 33% of the maintenance challenges faced in the department were due to lack of tools, 40% lack of spare parts, 7% lack of maintenance time and 20% lack of manpower. A maintenance model for value addition in water supply was therefore developed