How would you like to know the specific coordinates of every component of your system and could have you standing on top of the valve box that was paved over last summer in just a few minutes? If you are having difficulties finding your buried water and sewer utilities, you are not alone. Utilizing the benefits of modern technology, AP has recently assisted several communities with developing detailed system maps. With a combination of accurate GPS equipment and aerial imagery, we can help you produce detailed system maps that show water system valves, hydrants, meters, air releases, etc., and wastewater system manholes, cleanouts, siphons, lift stations, etc. We can also either use your existing component labeling system or help you develop a labeling system to uniquely identify each feature.
System operators have found it useful to have large wall maps to provide the big picture perspective on all system components as well as laminated half-size field sets that can be thrown behind the seat of a truck. The City of Union went a step further and asked that we use system mapping to show City-tested fire flows from hydrants throughout their system. Both rural fire district staff and the water system operators now have drawings showing how much water they can pull off any fire hydrant in the City.
Other information, including TV inspection findings, manhole inspection reports, and just about whatever data you want to present, can be graphically depicted. We are also seeing a trend that many system operators want to have this data available in real time, on site, and at their fingertips via a laptop computer. That is why we are setting up these system maps to be compatible with GIS systems for long-term integration to a digital format. Within a GIS system, whatever data you have on your water, sewer, or other City utilities can be added to system maps so, with the click of a mouse, your data will pop up and you can avoid spending half the day digging for that valve you just knew “was around here somewhere.”