The introduction and expansion of GIS into a small local health department drinking-water program

Around the world, local health departments are using geographic information systems (GIS) on a daily basis. Although small health departments as well as large ones may have the capability to use GIS, more care is required in planning projects, selecting software and hardware, training staff, and data maintenance. A drinking-water program in a small local health department in Whatcom County, Washington, offers several GIS case studies, including source mapping for public and private water systems, delineation of wellhead protection areas, and related emergency response examples. The author recommends ways in which GIS users and researchers in small local health departments can better collaborate, use the Internet, and avoid pitfalls.