Into the Computer Age with Customer Benefits
Technology today means faster communications, more thorough
record-keeping, and expedited research. At Chester Water
Authority, an entirely new way of mapping geographical areas
served by the Authority has arrived.
GIS, or Geographical Information System, is a computer-based
system that provides quick, accurate data on CWA water main
locations and other Distribution facilities; previous maintenance
or other operations; and new construction. In the past, maps were
drawn by hand, making them difficult to update or correct. This
new system allows CWA to electronically view its service area in
detail, including roads, buildings, water pipelines, hydrants, and
valves. GIS coordinates the information that was previously
available on a series of maps into one electronic map. Because
this data is stored on the CWA computer, updates and corrections
are fast and accurate.
The new system will allow CWA to update our maps quicker and
with better accuracy, and we now can customize maps to meet our
customers’ needs. The GIS maps can be viewed by location or by
type of feature, such as water main size or material.
Using Technology for Better Customer Service
The $350,000 GIS project was completed in late 1998 as part of
the ongoing CWA capital improvement effort to maintain the best
possible customer service. GIS is just one of a coordinated group
of computer programs CWA uses to provide quality service for our
customers. CWA has installed these programs to connect all aspects
of water treatment, testing, and delivery processes along with our
customer database. This allows us to use the latest technology to
maintain our high water quality, which exceeds governmental
standards. These systems also work to alert CWA to potential power
interruptions, so we can put our back-up systems into place
immediately and avoid service interruptions to our customers.
