SDWIS State Modernization Process Draws on E-Enterprise Principles

Earlier this year, EPA and states formed a Modernization Board to guide a collaborative planning process for the replacement of the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) state software. The modernized system will provide a web-based data management solution for drinking water programs across the nation. The SDWIS Modernization Board is drawing on the principles of the E-Enterprise Digital Strategy to ensure that the new solution is responsive to customer needs and built using flexible shared platforms.

The Board initially focused on developing an alternatives analysis, which was finalized in July 2020. The analysis identified a suite of development options for the modernized system and evaluated each one against a set of capability and cost criteria developed collaboratively by the Board. In July 2020, Board members deliberated on the options and conveyed option recommendations to EPA. EPA is expected to select an option in August. Upcoming board activity will focus on establishing guiding principles to drive the SDWIS Modernization development.

SDWIS Modernization Board members include leaders from EPA and state drinking water programs and information management offices. Eight states are represented on the board, led by co-chair and E-Enterprise Leadership Council member Victoria Phillips of the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection. These states are Arizona, Colorado, Massachusetts, Montana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, and Washington. The diverse perspectives and expertise helped the board ensure that the analysis and option selection was as collaborative and complete a process as possible.

For more information, contact Kurt Rakouskas of ECOS.