AWWA ACE54294

Information technology has had a significant impact on utility operations by bringing affordable fast computers, personal digital assistants, high-speed Internet access, e-commerce, and many more things. Utilities are slowly taking advantage of information technology in managing their infrastructure more efficiently and improving in communication. Desktop computers--networked at high speeds to the Internet--offer many ways to streamline day-to-day business operations and cut costs. The Internet revolution has presented tremendous opportunities to conduct more and more business electronically, eliminating paperwork, reducing mailing costs, and traveling costs, and saving time. Because of limited budgets and the possibility of privatization, many utilities are joining in the revolution, seeking to be more competitive by using the latest Internet technologies and various computer-based tools to manage their information processes more efficiently. In addition to explaining how the digital utility can virtually eliminate the need for paper to manage projects and to conduct business with customers, this paper examines the environmental impacts of using computerized information technology. How the technology can contribute to a cleaner environment and the negative environmental impacts is presented. Includes figures.