Public Transparency Dashboards Explained: How to Set Up State PTD and PWS PTD

This article explains the PTD options & process for customers in AZ, DE, IN, RI, and OR

Public Transparency Dashboard Options for Customers in AZ, DE, IN, RI, and OR

120Water offers two Public Transparency Dashboards (PTD) for water systems: the State PTD and the Public Water System PTD (PWS PTD). Each tool serves a distinct purpose, with options for systems to opt in or out, depending on their preferences or state requirements. Below is an overview of each option and a step-by-step guide for getting started or opting out.

State PTD Overview

The State Public Transparency Dashboard is a map-based tool that enables state agencies to display aggregated water quality data from water systems across the state. This website is designed to provide residents with transparent access to key information about water service lines, water systems, and public health. It captures submitted and accepted inventory data and remains static, meaning it is not updated in real time as ongoing verification efforts are completed.

Key features of State PTD include:

Aggregate, statewide service line inventory data.
Contact details for water systems.
Public resources and state agency updates to streamline compliance efforts.

Opting In to State PTD

Participation in the State PTD is voluntary in most states but strongly encouraged. Please see the short video below demonstrating the process.

Navigating State PTD

State Public Transparency Dashboard is very simple to navigate. In the below video, you'll see how users can search for their location, find utility information, and access key points of data such as service line classification and utility contact information

Note: If your state has required all submitted service line inventories to be published on State PTD, you will not have the option to opt-in or opt-out

Contact Information in State PTD

This contact information will be public facing, meaning it should be your customer support phone number and email address listed here.

TIP: Remember to equip your team answering this phone line and email address with information pertaining to your service line inventory. See our next steps section below!
The URL field gives you the ability to add any link you would like to direct the public from State PTD. We recommend placing your PWS PTD URL here, if you plan to set that up to share more frequent updates about your service line verifications and replacements. If you plan to use your own water systems website or you have created another way to make your inventory publicly available, we recommend linking that here.

Opting Out of State PTD

Water systems in certain states can choose to opt out if they do not want their service line inventory to appear on the statewide dashboard. To opt out:

Login to your PWS Portal (or Pro) account
Go to the Settings page by clicking on the gear in the top right corner
Navigate to State Public Dashboard
Select the "I do not authorize my inventory to be automatically published on the state PTD upon acceptance, as pictured below and click save.

Screenshot 2024-09-24 at 5.57.47 PM

It is recommended that water systems still provide a public-facing contact even if opting out, so residents know where to direct their inquiries. Water systems that opt out of the State PTD still need to provide public access to their service line inventories and should ensure their data is accessible through alternative means to remain compliant with LCRR.

PWS PTD Overview

The Public Water System PTD (PWS PTD) is a customizable public-facing dashboard specific to individual water systems. It provides real-time inventory data from the system’s PWS Portal or PWS Pro account. This allows customers and stakeholders to view accurate, up-to-date service line data and system-specific information.

Key benefits of the PWS PTD include:

Real-time service line inventory updates.
Public-facing contact details and additional resources.
Ability to link directly to your water system's website or other resources.
Several customization options to make the PTD best serve your customers.

PWS PTD is available to your water system at no additional cost.

How to Set Up PWS PTD

Once you have completed the process above, email 120Water Support at support@120water.com to request a custom URL for your PWS PTD.
Once you have confirmation from our support team that the URL has been setup, login to your PWS Portal (or Pro) account

Customize your PTD as much as you'd like by following the instructions in this Help Center article, which goes over all the configuration options and explains how to get the most out of PWS PTD.

Next Steps After Setup

After opting in and setting up your dashboard, follow these steps to ensure continued transparency and engagement:

Consider upgrading to 120Water PWS Pro, so you can regularly update service line inventory data as you run verification programs
Put together an internal FAQ document so your team is prepared to answer questions from your customers
Monitor and adjust public-facing content, adding any new resources or contact details as necessary
Post your PTD link on your utility website, Facebook page, customer newsletter, or any other place your customers might find beneficial