Project Reservoir

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Consultation responses

Project Reservoir

Sustainable development

Water resources

Ofwat home > Ofwat key work areas > Project Reservoir

Project Reservoir

What is it?

Ofwat has been heavily reliant on its bespoke core software for more than ten years. Our corporate database 'Water2000' is ageing and the Microsoft Access 97 based systems we use for collecting data from water companies are also nearing their end. We need a new set of systems to make sure that we have a sound foundation for the future and are well prepared for the next periodic review of price limits.

Reservoir aims to provide a single set of systems using a common interface and design. A one-stop shop for all the office needs. By doing this, we provide greater integration of data and facilities. The new system should provide users with greater access to information, both numeric and textual, and more flexible access to information to do their jobs.

The project aims to utilise, where sensible, open source technologies and tools.

The Reservoir project board endorsed these benefits in July 2005. Since then we have taken the chance to review the systems currently in place and to ask internal and external users what they require for the future.

Mission statements

'To provide a more integrated set of bespoke system tools for the office to enable greater, more flexible and more focused access to all types of data (text, numbers, hard copy).'
'To remove the need for cyclic review and renewal of bespoke systems due to proprietary vendor lock-in (revolution) and replace it with an incremental process of appraisal and enhancement (evolution).'
'To build future bespoke systems in non-proprietary software tools that enable continual review and enhancement to an Ofwat timetable.'

Goals for Reservoir

Building on the current functionality and service.
Greater integration.
Easier to maintain.
Increased functionality over time (evolution not revolution).
Provision of a single set of systems both external and internal.

What will users see?

A single entry point for all of the systems - a web browser.

A single database store to collate all the information.
Access to all types of data under a single point.
Common interface for all systems.
Greater future benefits from accessing systems externally (given the correct security).

How will it be delivered?

The project is being delivered in-house with a small dedicated team and the help of everyone in the office. We have sought the views of end-users including water companies on the current systems available in order to inform future developments. A summary of the issues and user requirements raised by water companies is available here.

Timetable

This is a long-term project which aims to be completed in time for the 2009 periodic review of price limits.

We will need to maintain our current systems until the new systems are ready. We are currently collecting the annual return (June return) from water companies in MS Access 2003. We would hope to deliver the June return 2007 information capture system in the new system, although we will not make a decision on this until later in the year. The Principal Statement for 2007-08 will be collected in MS Excel 1997 format. The redevelopment of Aquarius 3 will continue throughout 2007.

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