Boost Output & Cut Costs: 5 Tips for Water Utility Preventative Maintenance
Since implementing ArcGIS, the Camrosa Water District operations team has completed 39% more work with the same budget. They have seen more than $1M in cost savings in less than nine months with preventative maintenance.
Camrosa Water District, established in 1962, serves an area of about 31 square miles, with over 35,000 residents, 3,000 acres of agriculture, and various businesses. The district manages potable and non-potable water distribution systems and a sewer collection system.
Camrosa Water District, located in southern California, found their reactive approach to water utility operations kept them constantly firefighting issues instead of preventing them. They did not address potential issues before they occurred, resulting in inefficient resource utilization and an increased risk of equipment failure. Additionally, they faced difficulties in managing and communicating data effectively across different departments and field staff.
By leveraging the capabilities of a Geographic Information System (GIS), Camrosa Water District has been able to substantially increase productivity and decrease costs in 5 steps with preventative maintenance.
- Analyze the Problem
- Leverage GIS for Data Management and Analysis
- Enhance Workflow Efficiency
- Ensure Regulatory Compliance
- Facilitate Effective Communication
1. Analyze the Problem:
Camrosa Water District recognized the need to transition from a reactive approach to a proactive one. They analyzed the existing challenges and risks they faced, such as equipment breakdowns and operational disruptions due to a lack of preventative maintenance. By quantifying the risks and evaluating the potential consequences, they were able to frame the problem and lay the groundwork for their plan. Here is how Eric Garcia, Operations Manager, explains their problem analysis process.
The first step is to analyze the existing challenges, quantify the risks and evaluate the potential consequences and costs of taking no action.
2. Leverage GIS for Data Management and Analysis:
Camrosa Water District utilizes GIS as a foundational tool for data management and analysis. They implemented a centralized system of record using GIS, which enables easy management and sharing of authoritative data. This includes accurate record-keeping of system changes, meter readings, maintenance activities, and inspections. By leveraging GIS, they gain valuable insights and use data-driven approaches that help in making informed decisions for preventative maintenance.
Manhole rehabilitation work order – these are an integral part of the Camrosa Water District preventative maintenance plan.
3. Enhance Workflow Efficiency
By utilizing GIS and having a complete map of their assets, Camrosa Water District can optimize and streamline workflow efficiency. This includes planning routes for maintenance activities, identifying the most efficient routes for visiting sampling locations, and allocating resources effectively. Streamlining workflows through GIS helps in reducing response times and ensuring timely maintenance activities.
With GIS, Camrosa Water District can quickly see what work is being done where, when, and to what effect. Screenshot shows an asset management map live link from Esri geodatabase. Square symbols mean the work is complete and triangles mean it is in progress.
4. Ensuring Regulatory Compliance:
Regulatory compliance is an essential aspect of preventative maintenance. Camrosa Water District, using GIS, stores sampling locations and visualizes them throughout their service areas. This aids in meeting regulatory requirements by efficiently gathering and reporting data. By adhering to regulations and ensuring the delivery of safe drinking water, they proactively prevent potential compliance issues.
5. Facilitating Effective Communication:
Effective communication is prioritized by Camrosa Water District. They understand the importance of timely and accurate information exchange between office staff, field staff, and management teams. They use GIS as a tool to communicate and share critical information across their organization. Dashboards and web applications allow real-time sharing of work progress, sensor readings, service requests, and more. This enables supervisors, managers, and board members to stay informed and make data-driven decisions efficiently. ArcGIS StoryMaps use engaging visuals and provide relevant information paired with images, maps, and videos. By fostering effective communication, Camrosa Water District can address maintenance issues promptly and prevent them from escalating.
Streamlined communication within a water utility enables timely information exchange between different teams and stakeholders through tools like dashboards, web apps, and StoryMaps.
By incorporating preventative measures and leveraging GIS, Camrosa Water District is preventing unnecessary equipment breakdowns, reducing costs, and increasing work efficiency.
Results
Camrosa Water District’s use of ArcGIS has resulted in 39% more work being completed with the same budget, and cost savings of more than $1 Million.
Camrosa Water District now manages their assets, optimizes workflows, ensures regulatory compliance, and fosters effective communication within their organization with GIS. Their use of ArcGIS has resulted in 39% more work being completed with the same budget, and cost savings of more than $1 Million. In under 9 months, Camrosa Water District showcases the positive impact on efficiency and cost savings from implementing a preventative maintenance plan.
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To watch the Esri recorded webinar in its entirety, visit Improve Operational Efficiencies with Location Intelligence
For more information on Esri Water, visit www.esri.com/industries/water