Today, OCWA is celebrating National GIS Day. GIS, or geographic information systems, is a computer system that analyzes and displays geographically referenced information. It uses data that is attached to a unique location.

OCWA uses GIS to record and track our over 14,000 fire hydrants, 22,000 valves, and approximately 2300 miles of watermain.

Traditional paper map print outs of our entire system would weigh over 70 pounds but all of that information can be condensed into our GIS and accessed using a smart phone at any time.

GIS helps us more efficiently locate our watermains and respond to repairs in the field; saving time & effort which reduces the impact of shutdowns on our customers in the event of water main repairs and maintenance.