HomeMy WebLinkAboutIR 8510 INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 8510
TK July 29, 2003
* To the Mayor and Members of the City Council
Page 1 of 2
i4'3 SUBJECT: WATER INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM
As a result of the events of September 11, 2001, the Water Department has significantly improved
security measures at its facilities. Concerns about existing security, disaster planning, and business
models/processes continue to be a priority for the department.
In April 2002, a peer review committee (QualServe) comprised of participants from the American
Water Works Association and Water Environment Federation completed a comparative analysis of the
Water Department. The analysis compared Fort Worth to best practices of more than two hundred
other US water utilities in twenty-six business process categories. The analysis report specifically
recommended funding investments in a Geographical Information System (GIS) and a Maintenance
Management System (MMS) in addition to improved security measures.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and the Government Accounting
Standards Board No. 34 (GASB34), requires governmental agencies to ascertain and record the
condition of all its assets. To address these regulatory requirements and resolve existing operational
� reporting limitations, the new GIS and MMS systems must be implemented and integrated with the
identified system security measures.
Water Information Technology Program Scope
This program supports the following processes:
Network Security— Two independent vulnerability assessments were performed within the last year.
Within these assessments, common vulnerabilities to information systems operated by the Water
Department were identified and a series of recommendations were identified. To,further secure our
current systems from potential network intrusion (both internal and external), the program will
implement these recommendations.
Geographical Information System Process— The new GIS system will enable the migration of paper-
based water and sewer data to the City's existing electronic-based Geographic Information System
(GIS). The utilization of the City's existing GIS will allow the Water Department to centrally maintain
and electronically store the system design drawings, GPS (Global Positioning System) data and other
key asset attributes will be used to support the GASB34 and USEPA reporting requirements. The
Water Department is currently working with the Engineering Department to collect GPS attribute
information for the existing water and sewer systems. This information can also be used to
geographically illustrate patterns associated with the data, such as infrastructure age profiles and
asset performance data such as water main breaks and sewer blockages in support of the proposed
bond program.
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS
INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 8510
July 29, 2003
To the Mayor and Members of the City Council 4",
Page 2 of 2
W
SUBJECT: WATER INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM
Maintenance Management System Process— The new system will replace three mainframe systems
(water work orders, sewer work orders, and inventory system), and other, independent databases. The
new system will centrally maintain and electronically store the historical information of an asset (i.e. fire
hydrant, manhole, or pipe). This information will help determine whether to repair, rehabilitate, or
replace the asset and to develop improved maintenance strategies as part of an enhanced level of
customer service. The system will also schedule operations; personnel work activities, and inventory
management more efficiently. This system will be coordinated with the recently installed system at the
Tarrant Regional Water District, allowing for interagency cooperation. The system can also be used to
support the work order needs of other departments, including the Equipment Services Department, to
provide for future Citywide compatibility.
Program Cost Benefit
Much of this program's implementation will utilize existing City staff. To ensure quality system
selection/configuration, industry best practices, and a timely implementation will require the assistance
of several City departments and private companies. Each firm will be industry or product experts in
their respective fields. This program will also meet City of Fort Worth Minority and Women Owned
Business goals.
Implementation of the security, GIS, and Maintenance Management systems represent the first phase
of a planned, multi-year Water IT Program. The cost associated with phase I is estimated at
$2,802,743 and includes software acquisition and program management activities. Implementation of
the full, 5-year program is expected to cost$8.39 million. Following the two-year implementation of
phase I activities, the department will be able to evaluate the effectiveness of the program and
determine if future phases will be undertaken.
Future Staff Action
Staff anticipates bringing forward an M&C in two weeks recommending the award of an engineering
contract to assist the City in implementing the needed security, GIS and Maintenance Management
Systems. Should you have any questions regarding the proposed program, please let me know.
Gary ry W."
ackso
C it y Manager
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS