GIS and Beyond - Mapping our

way into the 21st Century

Justin D. Richardson, GISP - GIS Coordinator 

A Geographic Information System (GIS) is a system of computer hardware and software that integrates, stores, edits, analyzes, shares and displays various layers of geographic information. Databases enable GIS to analyze feature attributes and a feature’s physical location. For example, one simple use of GIS is to identify and track all water main breaks in order to better prioritize future main replacements through our Capital Improvement Program. For water utilities, GIS is commonly used for a whole host of items including source water protection studies, hydraulic modeling, water quality monitoring and distribution system operation and maintenance. The use of GIS in water utilities has grown exponentially in the past decade and is not only invaluable in terms of system planning, operation and maintenance; but is also a requirement for compliance with state and Federal rules and regulations.

To meet the growing regional demand for GIS, the District led an effort to hire a GIS coordinator and share the position with three other water utilities in southern Maine. In a collaborative effort, the Sanford Water District, South Berwick Water District and the Kittery Water District are all sharing the cost for this new GIS position and reaping the benefits of common GIS support, development methodology and standardization. On February 1st, I began working for these four districts as the GIS Coordinator. I am a certified  GIS Professional and have a B.A. in Geography from the University of Maine at Farmington along with 10 years of professional GIS experience. Prior to joining the District, I was the GIS Manager for Wright-Pierce, a Civil and Environmental engineering firm with offices throughout New England. Sharing a GIS coordinator among the four water utilities brings the GIS expertise required for each district at an affordable cost. This sharing of resources also dovetails nicely with the Southern Maine Regional Water Council’s plans to help regionalize certain services to bolster each district’s capabilities while reducing costs and increasing efficiency. Please feel free to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it at the KKW office with any questions regarding our implementation of this new technology.