Creating and Using a GIS at a Small Water and Wastewater Utility--A Case Study

Author: David S Coleman
Organization: LBFH, Inc.

3550 SW Corporate Pkwy
Palm City, FL 34990
USA

Phone: 561.219.2963
Fax: 561.286.3925
dave-c@lbfh.com

Many utilities are increasingly realizing the advantages to using GIS to perform day-to-day functions such as operations, maintenance, and customer service. Perhaps more importantly, utilities are using GIS to make better decisions, analyze their existing and potential customer base, and plan for future expansion. With GIS, utilities can better communicate and transfer data between agencies and consultants. Finally, utilities are using GIS concurrently with other systems such as hydraulic modeling or infrastructure management systems. This paper describes the process, in a time line fashion, of creating a GIS for a small utility and its subsequent use as a multifaceted tool.