This paper describes the planning processes used by a Virginia regional water utility as it moves towards integrating the technologies and databases of GIS, facilities maintenance and water/wastewater instrumentation. The Norfolk Department of Utilities, serving 700,000 water customers is in the midst of a major water treatment plant expansion and upgrade and is a major participant in the development of a citywide geographic information system.
The author discusses the parallel planning processes and identifies some of the successes and pitfalls of a multi-disciplinary planning approach. Challenges experienced include organizational, political, technological and funding, as well as the "human factor". The utility is working towards using workstation ArcInfo as a "gatekeeper" for data integration from multiple technologies and sources including FM, SCADA, engineering modeling, and cost accounting.
Sheila Smith
City of Norfolk
Dept of Utilities
Office of the Director
310 Cumberland St.
P.O. Box 1080
Norfolk, VA 23501
Fax: 1-804-640-0030