Water information system

This sub-component will complete the technological backbone for a digital information network linking all offices of the DWRLI, including HO, OVKs, and RVKs. It will utilize servers and computers procured under WMIP and OIP-2, supplemented by new purchases of personal computers and related equipment under this project, particularly for the RVKs

Under WMIP, wired networks have been installed in the HO and the 7 OVK. The NWRMP-1 will install simple wireless networks in all RVKs, which will be linked to OVK and the HO via secure Virtual Private Network (VPN) connections. This will allow data and communication to flow electronically among all of these units, thereby eliminating the current time-consuming practice of faxing data between these management units. Basic and advanced applications utilizing the network will be developed under this and other project components.

Linking all DWRLI offices with a digital information network

The WIS will be set up as a distributed database application, with text-based data and geo-referenced thematic map layers stored on different servers and linked together through the network system at SWA HO and a website hosted by the SWA to make data/information/maps available to all user groups. The website will incorporate different levels of secure access to different kinds of information. An inter-agency group will be established to coordinate the development of this distributed database. Initially, information on the website will come from the SWA HO servers. In future, data stored on servers at Hydromet, the Hydrogeology Department and other agencies can be linked into the website via a portal application. The primary advantage of the portal application is that the agencies will be able to retain full control over data that are stored locally on their servers. The WIS will consist of a number of relational databases, including the National Water Cadaster, irrigation system passports, WUA information and water delivery data, and a water resources geospatial database for thematic map layers. Automated flow data from the SDC irrigation automation project in the Chui Basin will also be posted on the WIS. As other organizations are brought into the system, the WIS will incorporate additional information on river discharges and discharge forecasts, weather, groundwater availability, and groundwater table elevations. Documents, such as basin management plans and maps, will also be posted.

Computer training. Once the network system is in place, local firms will provide training in basic computer operations, including word processing, spreadsheet use and email communications, and basic computer maintenance to new users in OVK, RVKs and elsewhere, as needed. Ample local capacity exists to provide such training. Training for more advanced topics and applications such as DBMS, GPS, GIS, LAN administration and VPN communication will be provided by PIU IT staff, local firms, and/or STA specialists. Then, special training sessions will be developed under Components 1 and 2 of the NWRMP-1 for collecting and analyzing data on water supply and demand, for documenting characteristics of water resource structures and irrigation systems and facilities, and for managing irrigation water at system level.

Assessing information needs of potential WIS users. Water information needs and usage vary widely among potential user groups, both within and outside the DWRLI. These include senior government officials, senior managers in the DWRLI, BWC members, Oblvodkhoz and RVK staff, WUA board members and mirabs, donor agencies, and interested members of the public. A survey, conducted by the WRM division of the DWRLI and supported by consultants, will ascertain these various information needs.

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Sharing flow data collected by RVKs. Flow data currently collected by the RVKs will be entered in the WIS by RVKs via VPN connection and then consolidated at the Basin and national levels. The flow data will be available throughout the network system to authorized users.

Developing or updating data sharing agreements. Existing data sharing agreements with the State Agencies on Hydrometeorology and on Hydrogeology, the Environmental Agency, and other organizations will be reviewed and, if necessary, updated to facilitate inclusion of information held by them in the WIS. This activity will be coordinated with the Bank-funded regional project on Hydromet strengthening which includes Kyrgyzstan Hydromet. It is expected that data from the Hydromet will be incorporated in Phase 1, with data from other agencies being included in Phase 2.

Building the State Water Cadaster Database Application. The State Water Cadaster, which includes information on quantity and quality of the nation’s surface and ground waters and the status, condition, and location of large water infrastructure, will be a part of the WIS. The Cadaster, currently maintained in MS-Excel worksheets by DWRLI Information and Analytical Sector will be updated and converted to a database application before linking to the WIS. The last annual water cadaster report was published by the GoK in 1996.