Switz City – PROJECT HUB
Transforming Aging Rural Buried Asset Infrastructure
Switz City Leads the Way with $650K Asset Management Plan Project
This project hub serves as a central resource for updates, technical information, and insights into the AMP development process.
It showcases the collaborative spirit and dedication of the project team, highlighting their commitment to improving infrastructure and ensuring sustainable utility services for rural communities.
Rural municipalities and districts are confronted with a significant challenge
Their buried asset infrastructure is essential for their viability, yet constrained resources often lead to the neglect and degradation of these critical assets, without a well-defined remediation strategy.
This initiative aims to develop a structured and replicable framework to address this issue.
Switz City Stats
Population: 268 (2020 Census)
Size: 0.2 square miles
Population Density: 1,340 people per square mile
Number of Households: ~100
Average Household Size: 2.84
Median Household Income: $38,278
Per Capita Income: $24,312
Poverty Rate: 33.1%
Median Age: 29.4 years
Racial Composition: 99.65% White
Median Home Value: $84,117
Median Gross Rent: $708
Percentage with Bachelor’s Degree or Higher: 3.8%
Project Details
Key Highlights
The development of a three-phase plan to create a replicable AMP model.
The establishment of Switz City as a “Living Lab” for testing and implementing innovative solutions.
The use of advanced technologies for pipeline condition assessment (PCA).
The creation of a Manual of Practices (MOP) to guide AMP development across Indiana.
The commitment to training and education for utility professionals.
Project Summary
This project hub documents the transformative effort to develop a comprehensive Asset Management Plan (AMP) for Switz City, Indiana, a pilot project designed to serve as a replicable model for rural utilities across the state. Funded by a $650,000 grant from the Indiana Finance Authority (IFA), this initiative addresses the critical need for proactive infrastructure management, mandated by Indiana’s Senate Bill 272 (2022).
Spearheaded by the Buried Asset Management Institute – International (BAMI-I) in partnership with the Alliance of Indiana Rural Water (AIRW), and with significant technical support from Purdue University’s Underground Infrastructure Team (UIT), the project leverages a collaborative approach to tackle the unique challenges faced by small water utilities. Purdue UIT provides vital technical and administrative support, engaging graduate students in practical learning experiences and contributing to the development of the AMP. AIRW, representing over 1,000 rural water and wastewater systems, brings invaluable field expertise and facilitates crucial data collection and operational insights. The IFA’s substantial funding underscores the state’s commitment to supporting sustainable infrastructure improvements and ensuring regulatory compliance.
The project employs cutting-edge technologies, including acoustic testing, closed-circuit televising (CCTV), and satellite imaging, to conduct thorough assessments of Switz City’s water and wastewater infrastructure. The goal is to create a robust, risk-based AMP that not only addresses the immediate needs of Switz City but also establishes best practices for utilities statewide. This initiative aims to establish Switz City as a “Living Lab” for innovation, develop a Manual of Practices (MOP) to guide future AMP development, and provide essential training and education to utility professionals. Through the combined efforts of Purdue University, AIRW, and the IFA, this project is setting a new standard for rural infrastructure management, emphasizing collaboration, innovation, and long-term sustainability.
News & Updates
Switz City, IN Asset Management Plan (AMP) – Progress Report – Feb 2025
Background The Switz City, IN Asset Management Plan (AMP) project was launched in January 2023 as a collaborative effort between BAMI-I, the Alliance of Indiana Rural Water (AIRW), Ziptility, Bynum Fanyo Utilities (BFU), Purdue Underground Infrastructure Team (Purdue...
Switz City Asset Management Project: Smoke Testing Update
We're excited to share an update on the Switz City Asset Management Plan project! Smoke testing is currently underway, marking a significant step in this comprehensive initiative. Ace Pipe Cleaning Inc. Leading the Charge A huge thank you to Steve Hontz and the...
SMALL TOWN, BIG IMPACT: BAMI-I AND AIRW SECURE $650K GRANT FROM INDIANA FINANCE AUTHORITY TO DEVELOP A COMPREHENSIVE ASSET MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR SWITZ CITY, IN
“I like what you guys are doing, it's boots on the ground and it's getting things done and you're going to benefit the utilities,” Jim McGoff, Director of Indiana Finance Authority (IFA) said to Dr. Tom Iseley and Wei Liao, right before he agreed to provide $650K to...
Collaborative Milestone: BAMI-I completed Asset Management Plan Development for Switz City
February 5, 2024, marked a significant step in our journey toward developing the asset management plan for Switz City, Indiana, as the BAMI-I/Purdue Underground Infrastructure Team (UIT) Team presented phase results to the Town Council of Switz City. The meeting,...
BAMI-I Partnered with Ziptility and BFU to develop Asset Management Plan for small utility
The beginning of 2023, Buried Asset Management Institute – International (BAMI-I), Ziptility, Inc., Bynum Fanyo Utilities (BFU) and the Town of Switz City, Indiana plan to work together to develop an Asset Management Plan (AMP) for the town’s drinking water and...
FAQ Section
Background & History
Why is this project important to water industries especially in rural areas?
Drinking water and wastewater infrastructure is subject to wear and tear over time, eventually reaching a point of failure. This deterioration leads to increased emergencies, which are often more costly to address than preventative measures.
To maintain reliable service delivery, including consistent water supply and efficient wastewater treatment, utilities must prioritize proactive management. A comprehensive risk-based asset management program is essential for achieving this goal.
Indiana Senate Bill 272 (2022)
Indiana has established itself as one of the leaders in water-related developments through a series of strategic initiatives and legislative actions. Key milestones include the 2015 evaluation of water utility planning, the 2016 requirement for water audits, and significant reports on financial needs for stormwater infrastructure and wastewater monitoring programs. The state further demonstrated its commitment with the 2019 publication of the Asset Management Program guidelines and the 2021 guidelines for the State Revolving Fund Loan Program. The signing of ISB 272 in March 2022 marks a significant step, positioning Indiana as a leader in water asset management. The Indiana Finance Authority (IFA) has been designated to oversee these efforts.
Small water utilities are facing challenges.
Small water utilities face numerous challenges in developing Asset Management Plans (AMP), including limited funding and human resources, difficulties in data collection and management, lack of professional knowledge and technical skills, complex regulatory compliance requirements, aging infrastructure, insufficient community support and awareness, and limited external support.
Financial Support
Indiana Finance Authority
The Indiana Finance Authority (IFA) is a state agency dedicated to overseeing and managing financial resources and programs to support public and private infrastructure projects across Indiana. Its primary mission is to provide innovative and cost-effective financing solutions that enhance the quality of life for Indiana residents. The IFA administers a variety of programs, including those related to water quality, economic development, and public-private partnerships, ensuring sustainable growth and development within the state. By leveraging financial expertise and resources, the IFA plays a crucial role in facilitating essential infrastructure improvements and fostering economic vitality in Indiana.
Project Sponsor –Provides funding and guidance for the development of the Asset Management Plan (AMP).
Project Team
Buried Asset Management Institute-International (BAMI-I)
Empowering Global Infrastructure Stewardship: Advancing Buried Asset Management for Health, Value, and Environmental Excellence.
The Buried Asset Management Institute – International (BAMI-I) is a non-profit corporation whose main purpose is to educate and assist those who have an interest in applying best-buried asset management practices to extend the life and efficiency of their assets. Although BAMI-I has been mainly focused on water and wastewater systems, the principles of asset management apply to all different types of buried assets including for instance gas distribution pipes, and electric cables.
BAMI-I’s mission is to provide a center of excellence for owners of underground infrastructure to join with industry and researchers, using sound science, to evaluate and /or develop buried asset management protocols for application worldwide to benefit ratepayers and other stakeholders by –
- Protecting public health
- Maximizing asset life-cycle value
- Improving the environment
- Sustaining economic development
- Enhancing the quality of life
Project Lead – Responsible for overall project management, coordination, and execution.
Alliance Of Indiana Rural Water
The Alliance of Indiana Rural Water is a non-profit membership association of over 1,000 water and wastewater systems and related professionals and is Indiana’s ONLY representative to the National Rural Water Association. NRWA is the nation’s largest utility association with 31,000 members. Our affiliation with NRWA provides the only cohesive voice representing water and wastewater systems, together leading the way in rural water legislation.
Provides field support for data collection, condition assessments, and project management.
Execution Partners
Purdue Underground Infrastructure Team (Purdue UIT)
Focus
The Purdue UIT, a part of the Construction Engineering and Management (CEM) Division at Purdue University, is dedicated to the development of future underground construction leaders.
Key Areas of Expertise
Asset Management of Underground Infrastructure (AMUI): This includes managing the construction, repair, rehabilitation, and maintenance of buried infrastructure systems such as pipes, tunnels, and chambers.
Development of Underground Space: This involves understanding the various aspects of tunneling and underground space applications, construction methods, and innovative techniques.
Future Underground Construction Leaders (FUCL) Development Program: This program, coordinated by the CEM UIT, aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to tackle challenges in the underground construction industry.
Educational Impact
Purdue offers courses like “Development of Underground Space” and “Asset Management of Underground Infrastructure” to provide students with the necessary knowledge and skills.
The AMUI course, taught by Dr. Iseley, is designed for undergraduate and graduate students interested in critical system management thinking.
Experts like Adam Hershberger, George Kurz, Ross Waugh, and others have contributed to the AMUI course through lectures and presentations.
BAMI-I Collaboration
The BAMI-I (Buried Asset Management International) has collaborated with Purdue on projects like the development of asset management plans for Switz City, contributing to both the project’s goals and the development of a knowledgeable community around asset management practices.
Underground Infrastructure
Underground infrastructure consists of pipes, cables, sewer pipes, tunnels, basements, and other underground structures that support vital functions and services like gas, water, and energy supply, waste processing, communication networks, and transportation.
Leads data collection and coordination efforts.
Bynum Fanyo Utilities (BFU)
About Us
Our mission is simple: to provide clean, safe drinking water and wastewater treatment to Indiana’s communities.
Our Commitment
Our continued goal is to provide high-quality, sustainable, and environmentally responsible water and wastewater services and solutions to our customers while contributing to the health, safety, and economic development of the communities we serve. With over 100 years of combined experience and a team of IDEM certified operators, we ensure that our customers are provided with high quality service, information, and support.
Looking ahead to the future, we will continue to provide all these services and expand our team to serve our communities even more. We are currently increasing our focus on the construction side of our business for our current and future clients. We will continue to focus on the repair and replacement of aging infrastructure in the communities we currently serve and those that we will be serving in the future. These services include the repair and replacement of water and wastewater transmission lines and piping, blowers, pumps, chemical feed systems, SCADA technology, disinfection systems, package wastewater plants, water treatment plants, and flow monitoring.
We have the knowledge to service anything from A-Z when it comes to the water and wastewater industry. Last but not least, we plan to expand our consulting services. I personally have over 40 years of experience in this industry and my strongest asset to the communities we serve is the knowledge I have acquired. The BFU team has many experienced and certified operators and support staff on both sides of the water and wastewater industry. We look forward to providing service to your community in the future.
— Jeff Farmer, President
Our Values
Stellar Customer Service
We strive to ensure that our customers are provided with high-quality services, information, and support—especially in case of emergency or natural disaster.
Health & Safety
We believe in promoting the health and safety of our employees, customers, and the general public by maintaining safe and reliable water and wastewater treatment systems, complying with health and safety regulations, and promoting safe work practices.
Innovation
We embrace new technologies to continually improve operations, increase efficiency, and enhance service delivery.
Supports data collection, field evaluations, and infrastructure inspections.
ADS Environmental Services (Flow Monitoring Services)
Serving the Water & Wastewater Industry for Over Four Decades
When municipal owners need to know about collection system flows, sewer levels, or the effects of rainfall they choose ADS® Trusted Solutions. Solutions to critical wastewater problems including SSOs, optimized sewer cleaning, CSOs, inflow & infiltration, hydraulic modeling, accurate sewer billing, and sewer capacity management. Rely on ADS for robust, accurate and affordable measurement, the kind of hydraulic analysis necessary to support project and financial objectives.
ADS has recently developed blockage PREDICT to detect the earliest signs of blockages – allowing sewer cleaning resources to be deployed at the right place at the right time in a proactive manner. When combined with ADS ECHO level monitoring, this revolutionary new offering utilizes machine learning and predictive analytics to PREDICT developing blockages with enough notice enabling you to PREPARE a proactive response with the right resources at the right time to PREVENT an overflow before it occurs.
We offer comprehensive, innovative flow information, from real-time flow data to temporary flow monitoring reports. Drawing upon over four decades of experience and thousands of flow and level assessment projects, we tailor our product recommendations to meet your most challenging projects and provide the right level of services to match your budget and resources. For knowledge about the performance of your collection system, you can rely on our advanced cloud-based software solutions to deliver actionable insight to manage your collection system. From flow, level and rainfall monitors; web-based software and apps; a variety of specialized services; and data analysis, reporting and delivery; ADS delivers the right information at an affordable cost.
Provided flow monitoring services to assess infiltration and inflow levels.
ACE Pipe Cleaning Company
Ace Pipe Cleaning, headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri, is part of a nationwide collection of 14 Carylon Corporation companies.
Ace Pipe Cleaning had the privilege to be a part of the talented team that worked together for 4 years to help Fort Worth, TX become the recipient of the 2016 State of Texas Environmental Excellence Awards.
Identified unlocatable manholes and conducted smoke testing.
Smart Views, LLC
Woman-owned environmental assessment and technical sewer evaluation company that provides a full range of services required for comprehensive sewer system evaluations.
Conducted a Quality Control (QC) review of field data.
George Kurz - Independent I&I Consultant
George E. Kurz, P.E., DEE, Consulting Engineer & Researcher, Sewer Capacity Management.
George has 46 years of experience as a government and private engineering consultant focused on improving effectiveness and efficiency in municipal sewer systems. He believes that I/I is the most significant problem facing most operators, but that the true magnitude of the problem is underestimated and has been largely overlooked. He is a specialist in detecting, measuring, and stopping I/I in sewage collection systems. George developed standard methods for measuring effectiveness of rehabilitation using flow monitoring and existing treatment plant data.
Independent consultant who led the infiltration and inflow analysis.
Kurt Wright - Independent WWTP Consultant
Kurt Wright, Owner/President, SDG Engineering, Inc
Mr. Wright established his own professional engineering firm in 2002 based in Rutherford County, North Carolina. The corporate mission is to meet client’s requirements by providing quality professional water and wastewater engineering services with solutions for a sustainable environment. Mr. Wright has 36 years of experience in engineering planning, design, project financing (grantsmanship), advertisement/bidding, contract administration, construction management, and startup services for numerous types of projects. Most of Mr. Wright’s experience is with municipal water and wastewater infrastructure. Mr. Wright’s experience with Asset Management began in 2012 with his membership in BAMI-I (Buried Asset Management Institute – International). Mr. Wright was the chief author of the Asset Management Plan for the town of Spindale, NC, which was approved by the state of North Carolina in 2013. He holds a certificate of completion for CTAM 100, 200, 300 & 400, is a Professional Water Asset Manager (PWAM), and contributed to the development of the CTAM 200 and 400 training manuals.
Independent consultant who led the Wastewater Treatment Plant Assessment Evaluation
Glenn Barnes - Water Finance Assistance (WFA)
Director Of Water Finance Assistance
Glenn Barnes is the Director of Water Finance Assistance, a training and technical assistance organization dedicated to building the financial and managerial skills of drinking water and wastewater utility employees. He has worked for more than 15 years with utilities of all sizes across the country. Glenn’s work focuses on rate setting, asset management, affordability, increasing bill payments, accessing infrastructure funding, water loss and conservation, and workforce retention. All the work of Water Finance Assistance is rooted in data analysis, allowing utility staff to make informed and objective decisions to improve their sustainability and to serve their communities for years to come. Glenn is based in North Carolina.
Conducted a rate study to ensure affordability and long-term funding for utility improvements.
Sponsoring Partners
Ziptility
Operations and asset management software for small utility teams
Ziptility helps water and wastewater utilities do more and spend less with easy-to-use apps that don’t take an army to set up and maintain.
GIS software- platform
InfoSense
In 2005, Dr. Ivan Howitt, a tenured professor at UNC Charlotte embarked on a joint research project to evaluate whether acoustic signals could be utilized to detect pipe blockages and anomalies between manholes. This research was motivated by a critical need at Charlotte Water to focus the deployment of their cleaning trucks on the right pipes at the right time.
With funding from the National Science Foundation, InfoSense was founded, and first prototype of the Sewer Line Rapid Assessment Tools (SL-RAT®) was sold to Charlotte Water in 2009. Based on the success of the first device, four improved beta prototypes were purchased by Charlotte Water a year later. The current production version was released in early 2012 and quickly gained recognition as a leading Smart Water technology – winning WEF’s Innovative Technology Award.
Our efforts to create innovative wastewater solutions did not stop at hardware. Understanding that utilities equally rely on software to manage their collection systems, we launched the Sewer Line Data Organizer (SL-DOG®) in 2014. The SL-DOG portal was designed with a utility’s needs in mind – allowing operators to quickly archive, visualize, manage, and export SL-RAT data. Following the release of the SL-DOG Portal, we created a mobile application that allowed field crews to add asset ID’s, measurement notes, and general field observation information.
Today over 1350 utilities around the world have experienced how our technology can help overcome the challenges inherent in managing a wastewater collection system. Approximately 700 units are in use around the world with customers ranging from Charlotte Water to Singapore PUB. We look forward to learning more about your collection system challenges and how we might help you solve them.
Acoustic Assessment
Utility Inspection Services
25+ years experience and advanced tech set UIS apart from other sewer cleaning companies
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4M Analytics
Mapping the subsurface
We’re on a mission to create the first digitized, global, and up-to-date map of buried utilities.
GIS & Satellite Imaging
Education and Knowledge-Sharing Contributors
Ross Waugh
Waugh Infrastructure Management Limited, New Zealand
Asset Management Plan Development Expert
Smith F. Rangel, M.Eng
NASSCO MACP PACP, LACP Program Trainer
Adam Hershberger
Alliance Of Indiana Rural Water Association EPA Specialest
Joseph Eberly
4M Analystic Expert
Jim Harris
Asset Management Plan Development Expert/CTAM Trainer
Chris Callahan