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Tuesday 18 October 2005: Session 2, 2:00:00 PM
Using GIS to Map and Inventory Small Public Water Systems
Presentation Abstract
RCAP Solutions, Inc., a private non-profit that helps small communities address their water and wastewater treatment needs, received funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection to conduct a pilot project using GIS to map two small community water systems. The purpose of this pilot project was to demonstrate how GIS can be introduced into small water systems as a tool for keeping distribution system maps current, creating inventories of system components, and recording inspections and maintenance. These projects consisted of identifying existing data sources, digitizing data from drawings and paper maps, collecting new data with GPS units and on-site field checks, preparing final maps of the systems, creating inventories and maintenance records in associated tables or databases for system components, and providing low-cost or free software and staff training in each community to access and update information. While GIS software and applications can be very complex and very expensive, with the help of technical assistance providers and appropriate low-cost or free software, it is not impractical for small water or sewer systems to adopt GIS. These projects can be accomplished. However, for the smallest systems, it may not be practical or possible. In addition to financial restraints, their staff are often underpaid, and may work only part-time or volunteer. They may also lack adequate computers and training to use them. For systems that do have paid staff and adequate computer technology, however, GIS can provide them with the means to maintain maps and basic records about their system. The associated tables, or inventories, created in the process of mapping water systems may also open the door to the introduction of Asset Management programs that the U.S. EPA is aggressively promoting among water and wastewater systems to track depreciation and plan capital improvements.
Speaker Biographical Information
Sherry Loos : RCAP - Rural Community Assistance Program
Sherry Loos is a Rural Community Assistance Program (RCAP) Field Agent in Ohio, who until recently worked for the RCAP program in Pennsylvania. Sherry received a Masters Degree in Water Resources from Iowa State University, and a B.S. in Environmental Science from Allegheny College in Meadville, Pennsylvania. Prior to RCAP, she worked for an engineering and procurement firm specializing in heat recovery steam generators. She also opened and managed one of the largest commercial composting facilities in the mid-west. Sherry first learned about GIS, specifically the early versions of ArcView, Arc/Info and Idrisi, back in the early-90's through two college internships. After receiving training to use ArcView 8.3, she recently completed this pilot project.
