AWWA ACE59902

AWWA ACE59902 Six Sigma Process Adds to the Business Case for Infrastructure Renewal
Conference Proceeding by American Water Works Association, 06/17/2004

Nitza, Thomas T. (Ted), Jr.; Meszaros, Greg; Hill, Michele; Wirtz, Matthew

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Six Sigma is a process improvement program that uses data and statistical tools to identifyand reduce variation in a process. The results of using this methodology can includeincreased productivity, decreased defects, cost reduction and improved customersatisfaction.The City of Fort Wayne, Indiana has embraced Six Sigma to enhance the processes andservices that the City provides its residents. The City areas that employ Six Sigma includethe Water Filtration Plant, the Water Pollution Control Plant, Police, Fire, Parks andRecreation, Street and the Solid Waste Departments.Utility related projects have included the areas of drinking water production anddistribution and wastewater treatment and collection. Drinking water production projectshave included improvements to the lime slaker feed processes and the chlorine dioxidegeneration efficiency and reductions to secondary turbidity and reduced sprain and straininjuries. Wastewater treatment projects have included improvements to the waste activatedsludge processes. Wastewater collection improvements have included catch basin and inletcleaning efficiencies. A drinking water distribution improvement has included asignificant reduction in the unit costs associated with water main replacement projects.The reduction in unit costs for water main replacement projects demonstrates how SixSigma could add to the business case for infrastructure renewals. Conventional wisdomwas tested with surprising results. The analysisexamined several interrelations such as project size, cooperation with transportationprojects, bidding season, project size and the use of engineering consultants for design.The Six Sigma processes demonstrated the validity or lack thereof of previously heldbeliefs regarding these relationships.This article presents an introduction to Six Sigma and describes utility areas it hasbenefited the City of Fort Wayne, Indiana. Further details are then presented todemonstrate how a Six Sigma project has added to the business case for drinking waterdistribution infrastructure renewal. Includes 4 references, tables, figures.