For years, our Hamilton Wastewater Utility managed our sanitary sewer system by spending hours sorting through paper maps and searching for information.  This process limited our ability to best serve the residents of Hamilton, and it was obvious that we needed a solution. We explained the problem to Maser Consulting and their software partner National Geomatica and asked them to help us find a solution.  After convening, they presented us with a customized, cutting edge solution that would enable us to view and manage our entire sanitary sewer system with just the click of a mouse.   

In October of 2005, we agreed to move forward with this unique idea and take the lead in using technology to make government services both more efficient and effective.  Using National Geomatica as the software foundation, Maser Consulting converted our paper maps to digital and provided us with a powerful system that promised savings and better services.   The system delivered on those promises.  It comprehensively joins our Township mapping with all sorts of databases from different Township departments. The result is a single, easy to use program based on a Geographic Information System (GIS).  The mapping is the necessary first step, but once completed and the databases linked, the program will  enable all sorts of automation to be implemented throughout the Township.  We have already implemented solutions for Public Works, Building, Planning, Zoning and Health, all  without breaking the bank. 

As the project progressed, National Geomatica linked databases of historical and continuing information about our sewer system directly into their software.  This provides us with complete and up to date information that I know we can trust.  One example is how we were able to add our sewer pipe stop-up information.  We store pipe stop-up information in an Access database in the Water Pollution Control Department.  This data is now viewable by staff anywhere in town and as we enter new information into our database it is automatically sent to NatGeo and added to our map - and we don't have to do anything to get it there. 

To satisfy our need to visually manage our sewer system in its entirety, Maser Consulting created the GIS map layers we needed.  The resultant map links to each pipe segment’s associated attributes; the manholes, gravity lines, structures, pump stations, force mains, and flow directions that are unique to that pipe segment.  We took an extra step to provide National Geomatica with our old hand drawn maps, lateral maps, and all 600 strip maps, which they scanned and linked to the new digital sewer pipes map.  Now we can click on any sewer pipe on the GIS, view all historical paper maps and update the pipe attribute information such as material, diameter and installation date.  Our pipe information is always current.  Instead of searching through piles of paper maps, National Geomatica created a program that allows us to search for our lateral maps, permits, and strip maps with only a few keystrokes and we can view the maps in conjunction with our GIS.   

Managing our sewer system in National Geomatica enables us to respond quickly in emergency situations.  If there is a blockage in the sewer line we can easily see the area of the township affected by the blockage, the pump station to which the effluent flows, and the location of all manholes.  Because the program is web-based, our staff can access this information from the field and make quick determinations on how to correct blockages. 

Our office staff benefits, as well.  Residents have been impressed with how easily we have been able to assist them with their requests for their property sanitary sewer history.   Developers and engineers have been able to proceed with their projects quicker now that we can easily tell them where the sewer mains are located.  We are now able to use National Geomatica to print maps with the various GIS layers showing buildings, flow directions, manholes, and aerial views of the township for our Capital Projects. 

This program has helped us greatly to manage our sewer system. We are excited to progress the reach of the software into other areas as we continue to expand on what we have already achieved in the management of sanitary sewers.  Currently Maser Consulting is in the process of adding additional information and updating the sewer map layer to help us continue to provide our residents with efficient, effective services that save taxpayer money.