Design Standardization Program of WSSC

Abstract

The Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC), one of the nation's largest public water and sewer utilities serving two suburban Maryland counties, has developed a standardization program comprised of five major elements: (1) Design manual—a major communication device between WSSC and its designers; (2) standard specifications—a major communication device between WSSC and its construction contractors; (3) standard details—engineering drawings of facilities' components frequently encountered at WSSC; (4) design deficiency report feedback system—a reporting mechanism developed to elicit comments on design or operational problems in the field; and (5) design files—intended to build the “corporate memory.” The goals of the standardization program include: ensuring that consultant contracted designs reflect WSSC's experience and preferences; reducing the time and money required to design and construct facilities, thereby more readily responding to the public's needs; and ensuring consistency in facilities, thereby reducing inventory costs and increasing the flexibility of staff to operate and maintain many facilities. Experience to date confirms that the standardization program is successful in meeting these goals.