15 March 2007
Three Valleys Water has revealed that it is replacing its geographical information system (Gis) with a new digital version which it claims will speed up repair processes and cut down on costs.
According to Ted Volpe, the supplier's IT Operational Assets Systems Manager, digitalising the network will make it easier to locate faulty pipes and will allow remote engineers to access and record map-based data on laptops or PDAs.
Speaking to IT Week, Mr Volpe said: "All of our network of pipes and valves are managed by Gis. Gis is a computerised map of that network and the new system will give us a more comprehensive overview of how what is underground relates to what is overground.
"If we then send a team out to work on a pipe they can find it faster, they know what kind of pipe and valve it is. It will be integral to improving efficiency."
Better organisation could see costs being driven down in future - resulting in cheaper bills for consumers. Pending financial approval, Three Valleys Water hopes to be able to install the new system by 2008.
This news might bring some consolation to the three million customers the supplier currently serves in the Home Counties area, following last week's announcement that the average consumer's water bill from Three Valleys was to rise by 5%.
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