AWWA DSS54624

This paper describes how the development of the Hydrant Inspection Palm Pilot application and associated relational database has enabled New Jersey-American Water Company to automate the data collection and reporting process. In addition to conquering the administrative task, the ability to capture data in the field electronically has created the opportunity for increased inspection parameters with the ability to leverage this data with analytical tools such as geographic information systems (GIS) and maintenance databases. The design of this Palm application, as well as the other databases, was focused on insuring regulatory compliance, improving the quantity and quality of field inspection data, enhancing decision making, and streamlining the work flow and business processes. Includes figures.