A new framework aims to provide the water sector with unified, practical guidance on what good asset information looks like and how companies can strengthen their data to support asset health and performance
Across the UK water sector, asset health has moved firmly into the regulatory spotlight. Ageing infrastructure, rising service expectations, climate resilience pressures and affordability constraints have combined to place significant emphasis on how well water companies understand, manage and invest in their assets.
Ofwat’s Asset Health programme is challenging companies to demonstrate not only the condition of their assets but the robustness, consistency and assurance of the information that underpins asset decision making and associated investment.
In response, BIM4Water, in partnership with the Water Services Association of Australia (WSAA), is developing a new Asset Information Management Strategy (AIMS) framework. The framework is intended to provide practical, sector wide guidance on what good asset information management looks like, and how water companies can systematically strengthen their data foundations to support asset health, performance and regulatory confidence.
Why asset information matters more than ever
Although relevant standards exist, including ISO 55000 and ISO 19650, many water companies continue to struggle with fragmented data and inconsistent information management practices.
Asset data is often spread across operational systems, BIM models, GIS platforms, maintenance records and supplier datasets, with limited integration. This fragmentation makes it difficult to develop a coherent, whole life view of asset condition, risk and performance.
Ofwat’s Asset Health review has brought this challenge into sharp focus. Asset health assessments rely on trustworthy, complete and consistent data that can support evidence based judgements about long term resilience and investment need.
Without a clear strategy for managing asset information, even technically capable organisations can struggle to demonstrate assurance, traceability and fit for purpose data.
The AIMS framework seeks to directly address this gap. Rather than introducing another standalone standard, it will provide a unifying structure that connects existing asset management, information management and digital construction guidance into a coherent, outcomes focused approach.
The intent of the AIMS framework
At its core, the AIMS framework is about enabling better decisions. Its intent is to help water companies move from reactive, fragmented data practices towards a mature, integrated asset information environment that best supports planning, operations, investment, regulation and customer service.
The framework is being developed by the BIM4Water Asset Data Standardisation (ADS) group through collaboration with water utilities, digital specialists and regulators. Building on established guidance and sector specific data standards.
It will not prescribe specific technologies. Instead, it will define the foundation building blocks needed to be in place for asset information to be trusted, reusable and valuable across the organisation and its supply chain.
Linking digital construction to asset health
A key strength of the AIMS framework will be its alignment between digital construction and long term asset management outcomes. Information created during design and construction can be poorly structured for operational use, leading to rework, data loss and missed opportunities for whole life optimisation.
By aligning with ISO 19650 principles, the framework will reinforce the importance of clear information requirements, structured data and common data environments from the outset of projects. This ensures that data generated during capital delivery can flow seamlessly into operational systems, supporting asset health monitoring, maintenance planning and regulatory reporting.
In this way, AIMS will act as a bridge between BIM, digital twins and traditional asset registers, helping organisations realise the full value of their digital investments.
Supporting Ofwat’s Asset Health programme
The AIMS framework is being designed to support water companies’ response to Ofwat’s Asset Health review. Providing ways to assess current asset information maturity, identify gaps and prioritise improvements aligned to regulatory expectations.
Key aspects of the framework will include:
- Data governance and accountability, ensuring clear ownership, stewardship and assurance of asset data.
- Data quality and consistency, enabling confidence in condition assessments, risk models and performance reporting.
- Lifecycle coverage, ensuring information is available from creation through to operation, renewal and disposal.
- Integration and interoperability, supporting a single, coherent view of assets across systems and disciplines.
Strengthening these foundations enables organisations to demonstrate that asset health judgements are based on reliable evidence rather than assumptions or incomplete data.
Enabling an asset information management journey
Importantly, the framework will be positioned as a series of options rather than a single approach. It recognises that water companies are at different stages of their digital and information management journeys.
The building block approach encourages organisations to assess their current position, identify missing components and develop a realistic and prioritised roadmap for improvement.
Looking ahead
As Ofwat’s Asset Health programme continues to evolve, the ability to demonstrate robust, assured asset information will grow in importance. The AIMS framework will provide the sector with a collaborative and practical response – one that aligns digital construction practices with long term asset stewardship.
By focusing on information as a strategic asset in its own right, the framework helps water companies unlock greater value from their data, improve resilience and build regulatory confidence. In doing so, it reinforces a simple but powerful message: healthy assets depend on healthy information.
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