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Challenge

In 2023, PRASA faced a critical mandate to comply with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR). This required a full Service Line Inventory (SLI), a Lead Service Line Replacement (LSLR) Plan, and public education efforts — all within an aggressive deadline of October 16, 2024.

The challenge involved not just compliance, but also:
– Modernization of data systems
– Large-scale field inspections across 162 community water systems
– Transparent community engagement in both English and Spanish

Solution

SALO Engineering, in partnership with Nobel Systems and TrackIt LLC, delivered a comprehensive, technology-driven program tailored to PRASA’s operational and community needs.

Key Components

Data & Desktop Review
– Aggregated and analyzed PRASA’s service line records, GIS data, CRIM, OGPE, and National Archives records
– Built a centralized data repository to streamline access and accuracy

GeoViewer Data Collection Platform
– Customized an offline-first mobile application for field inspections, compatible with iOS and Android
– Integrated with PRASA’s GIS and designed dashboards for real-time inventory tracking, analytics, and EPA reporting

Field Inspections & Material Identification
– Conducted systematic inspections using scratch, magnetic, and swab tests
– Implemented potholing inspections where necessary, ensuring minimal disruption and complete site restoration

Public Education & Outreach
– Developed bilingual (English/Spanish) materials: fact sheets, door hangers, customer notifications
– Created a public-facing online inventory for transparency

Lead Service Line Replacement Plan
– Designed a prioritized, data-driven replacement strategy
– Included customer communication protocols, filter distribution, and flushing instructions

Training & Capacity Building
– Delivered SOPs and hands-on training to PRASA staff for long-term maintenance of the system and public inventory

Results

Regulatory Readiness – Positioned PRASA to meet the EPA’s LCRR compliance deadline
Operational Efficiency – Streamlined data management with integrated GIS and mobile tools
Community Trust – Increased public awareness and engagement through transparent reporting and proactive outreach
Scalability – Created a replicable model for large-scale utility compliance projects

Project Impact

This initiative went beyond compliance. By combining advanced GIS technology, rigorous field methodology, and culturally attuned public engagement, SALO enabled PRASA to:
– Modernize infrastructure data
– Strengthen regulatory standing
– Build a foundation for long-term community health and trust