Illinois American Water invests in mapping technology to enhance customer service
Illinois American Water is investing $1.5 million into Global Positioning System mapping technology across the state. This sophisticated software provides precise locating and logging of company-owned assets, including hydrants, valves, manholes and water mains. Through this investment, Illinois American Water continues its commitment to enhance customer service.
This summer, IAW is both self-performing and subcontracting (with Urban GIS) to collect GIS (Geographic Information System) data and update its infrastructure mapping. The program, which launched in 2014 across the state, will conclude in 2016. With the completion of this project, Illinois American Water employees will be able to use in-vehicle computers or handheld GPS devices to more accurately locate infrastructure in the field. This will help improve response time for main breaks and customer service requests.
Richard Hermann, Senior Manager of Field Services & Production for the Chicago Metro Division of the company, explained the importance mapping technology brings to infrastructure projects and to routine system maintenance. "The GIS data that is gathered is invaluable to our company and customers. Knowing precise infrastructure locations during water service emergencies or during inclement weather enhances operational efficiency through improved response times. Additionally this information helps support the planning efforts when prioritizing capital improvement projects. Everyone benefits from such technology improvement."
Work in the Chicago Metro District service areas will begin within the next week and, barring any extreme weather events, the project is expected to be completed late in 2016. During this effort, safety precautions will be taken to alert the public of this work in the area. The surveyors will not need access inside customers' homes, but customers may observe them working in their neighborhood. For visible identification, badges will be worn by employees at all times. Residents are encouraged to be conscious of this work in the community to ensure motorist safety and the safety of our crews.
About Illinois American Water - Illinois American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest investor-owned water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water and/or wastewater services to approximately 1.2 million people. American Water also operates a customer service center in Alton and a quality control and research laboratory in Belleville.
American Water is the largest and most geographically diverse publicly traded U.S. water and wastewater utility company. Marking its 130th anniversary this year, the company employs 6,400 dedicated professionals who provide regulated and market-based drinking water, wastewater and other related services to an estimated 15 million people in 47 states and Ontario, Canada. More information can be found at www.amwater.com.