Future-Proof Water Infrastructure CoP working on PIPE-Works update

Last month the work on the beta version of the PIPE-Works Inspection Technologies knowledgebase module was completed within the Future-Proof Water Infrastructure Community of Practice (FPWI CoP). The CoP would like to thank all Watershare partners and associated water companies who contributed to this successful effort. It is important however to remember that there are still a few improvements and developments planned for the period ahead; in this regard, the CoP is grateful for the suggestions it received from some of you.

Over the next month, the CoP will focus on the following priorities concerning the PIPE-Works tool:

1. Online forms for new entries. In order to make it easier to add information to the database, we are developing online forms that you can use yourselves or distribute to potential collaborators in your networks. There are a number of challenges to overcome in this regard, some of the most notable being the ownership of the information once it is integrated in the tool, and the review process of new entries. Since we want to keep the tool free of marketing language and confusing information, we are working to develop a protocol that can be followed in the review process. A review board will be selected to check new entries before they are made public.
2. Entry updates. We are aware that some of the data in the tool need to be updated. Much like as in the case above, a protocol for updated entries is being developed. Since the ownership of the data added to the tool has implications in this regard, we are making sure that the process is easy to follow and transparent for potential Watershare collaborators and within their respective networks.
3. Discussion forum. An important aspect of PIPE-Works is that it enables knowledge sharing by commercial providers, tool users, as well as technical experts. In this regard, PIPE-Works is envisaged to become a platform for experience sharing between its users, offering them the possibility of contacting vendors or other users. They can therefore benefit from as much information as possible before selecting the inspection tool that best meets their needs.
4. Fixing bugs and issues. We appreciate the feedback received from many of the users so far with regards to bugs that may still appear in the tool. Since it is a tool that’s being developed from the ground up, it is possible that some issues may appear over time, especially while the tool is being expanded. We are aware that this may cause inconvenience in using the tool, and we value your continued inputs and ideas with a view to fixing any bugs and issues.
5. Further expansion of the tool. Further expansion of the tool to incorporate two new modules is envisaged for Q3 and Q4 of this year: a sensor technologies module and a rehabilitation technologies module. These two modules are expected to complement the inspection module developed, in order to provide the users with comprehensive knowledge over the multiple works that can be carried out in the distribution or collection networks. In the meantime, we are debating whether leak detection technologies should become a separate module on their own, since the definition of leak inspection can vary between countries, and sometimes between regions. We would be grateful if you would share your thoughts and perspectives on this matter.