Welsh Water is to use a Geographic Information System (GIS) to improve asset management and help meet compliance regulations.

Mapping software from ESRI (UK) will assist with scheduling both planned and unplanned maintenance tasks across Wales, and will help the utility to meet risk assessment directives from the Drinking Water Inspectorate.

The system will also be integrated with Welsh Water's existing IT network. An intranet portal to the GIS will enable workers to access and search the geographic data handled by the system.

The deal is part of a major change programme that will upgrade technology across the organisation.

'The GIS solution is a significant cornerstone for the IT programme,' said Welsh Water head of IT Fraser Nairn.