Estimating O&M Cost When Costs Vary with Flow

Abstract

To estimate the operation and maintenance (O&M) cost of facilities, such as pumping stations, wellfields, water and wastewater treatment plants, using some type of O&M cost function, it is necessary to know the actual flow rate handled by the facility. If the flow rate varies over the life of the project, it is difficult to determine which rate to use as the average flow for the life of the project. This paper presents some easy to use graphs to assist in determining the flow rate to enter into the cost function.