Transforming Water Utility Management: Paradise Irrigation District’s Leap into the Future with Nobel Systems

In an era where digital transformation is reshaping industries, water utilities are under increasing pressure to modernize their infrastructure and operations. The Paradise Irrigation District (PID), a vital water provider in Paradise, California, has taken a bold step toward innovation by partnering with Nobel Systems to implement a comprehensive, cloud-based Geographic Information System (GIS). This strategic collaboration is not just about adopting new technology—it’s about redefining how PID manages its water infrastructure, enhances service delivery, and prepares for a more resilient future.

Paradise Irrigation District announces its partnership with Nobel Systems to implement a cloud-based GIS platform, marking a major step forward in smart water utility management.

Why Paradise Irrigation District Chose to Modernize

Paradise, California, has faced its share of challenges, particularly in the wake of the devastating Camp Fire in 2018. Rebuilding and maintaining a reliable water system has been a top priority for PID. However, traditional methods of asset tracking, maintenance scheduling, and data management were no longer sufficient to meet the demands of a growing and recovering community.

Recognizing the need for a more agile, data-driven approach, PID sought a solution that could centralize operations, streamline fieldwork, and provide real-time insights into its infrastructure. Nobel Systems’ GeoViewer platform emerged as the ideal fit—offering a powerful, cloud-based GIS solution tailored to the unique needs of water utilities.

About Nobel Systems: A Proven Leader in GIS Innovation

Founded in 1992 and headquartered in Redlands, California, Nobel Systems has built a reputation as a global leader in GIS and smart utility solutions. With a multidisciplinary team of engineers, developers, and GIS specialists, the company delivers scalable, cloud-native platforms that empower utilities to manage assets, monitor performance, and make data-informed decisions.

Nobel Systems’ flagship product, GeoViewer, is a testament to the company’s commitment to innovation. Designed to be intuitive, mobile-friendly, and highly customizable, GeoViewer enables utilities like PID to transition from paper-based workflows to fully digital operations—without the need for costly on-premise infrastructure.

GeoViewer: A Game-Changer for PID

At the heart of this partnership is the deployment of GeoViewer, a robust GIS platform that integrates mapping, asset management, and mobile field operations into a single, user-friendly interface. Built on modern technologies like MapBox and MongoDB, GeoViewer offers PID a flexible and scalable solution that can evolve with the district’s needs.

Key Features Tailored for PID

• Interactive Mapping Portal: PID staff can visualize and interact with infrastructure data in real time, from pipelines and hydrants to valves and meters. This spatial awareness enhances planning, troubleshooting, and emergency response.

• Mobile Field Access: With GeoViewer Mobile, field crews can access maps, submit work orders, and collect data directly from their iPhones or iPads. This eliminates the need for paper forms and ensures that updates are reflected instantly across the system.

• Seamless Integration: GeoViewer integrates with PID’s existing GIS datasets and enterprise applications, creating a unified ecosystem for operations, maintenance, and reporting.

• CMMS Work Order Module: A built-in Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) allows PID to schedule, track, and analyze maintenance activities. From assigning tasks to logging labor hours and materials, the module supports end-to-end work order management.

• Inspection and Compliance Tools: Dedicated modules for hydrant and valve inspections enable field staff to document conditions, attach photos, and trigger follow-up actions—all while maintaining regulatory compliance.

• USA DigAlert Integration: GeoViewer’s DigAlert module streamlines the management of excavation notices, allowing PID to respond to tickets efficiently and document compliance with state regulations.

Implementation Strategy: A Phased, Collaborative Approach

Rolling out a new enterprise system requires careful planning and collaboration. Nobel Systems and PID have adopted a phased implementation strategy to ensure a smooth transition and long-term success.

1. Assessment and Planning: This will begin with a comprehensive review of PID’s existing GIS infrastructure, workflows, and data quality. This helped identify gaps and opportunities for improvement.

2. Customization and Configuration: GeoViewer will be tailored to PID’s specific operational needs, including custom forms, asset hierarchies, and reporting templates.

3. Training and Change Management: Nobel Systems will provide hands-on training for PID staff, ensuring that both office and field personnel are comfortable using the new tools. Ongoing support and feedback loops will be established to foster continuous improvement.

4. Scalability and Future-Proofing: The system is designed with scalability in mind, allowing PID to add new modules, users, and data layers as its needs evolve.

The Broader Impact: Building Resilience and Sustainability

Beyond operational efficiency, the PID-Nobel Systems partnership represents a broader shift toward resilience and sustainability in water utility management. By digitizing its infrastructure and embracing real-time data, PID is better equipped to:

• Respond to Emergencies: Whether it’s a leak, outage, or natural disaster, PID can now respond faster and more effectively, minimizing service disruptions.

• Optimize Resource Allocation: With detailed asset data and performance metrics, PID can prioritize maintenance, reduce water loss, and extend the life of its infrastructure.

• Engage the Community: Transparent, data-driven operations build trust with customers and stakeholders, especially in a community that has experienced significant hardship.

• Support Environmental Goals: Efficient water management contributes to conservation efforts and aligns with California’s broader sustainability objectives.

Looking Ahead: A Model for Other Utilities

As PID continues to rebuild and modernize, its partnership with Nobel Systems serves as a model for other small to mid-sized utilities facing similar challenges. The success of this project underscores the value of cloud-based GIS solutions in transforming utility operations—making them more agile, accountable, and future-ready.

By embracing innovation and investing in smart infrastructure, PID is not only improving service delivery today but also laying the groundwork for a more resilient tomorrow.