How to Get the Most Out of Public Transparency Dashboard (PTD)

This article will provide a high level overview of PTD, how it functions, how your community can use it, and best practices.

What is Public Transparency Dashboard (PTD)?

Public Transparency Dashboard is a map-based tool that allows water systems to share important water quality information with the public. 120Water will provide your system with a web URL that lets residents easily access details about their water service lines and overall water safety. The public can also find customer support contact information and any other details provided by the water system. It’s designed to build trust and keep everyone informed, while also helping water systems streamline information for compliance efforts. PTD makes it simple for both water systems and the public to stay updated and engaged.

Why do I need PTD?

The LCRR & LCRI require water systems to make their service line inventory available to the public. Water systems serving a population of 50,000 or more are required to make their inventories available online. For smaller systems, having a quick, modern, accessible means to publish their inventory through a tool like PTD is much more efficient than digging through spreadsheets and records every time a customer demands more information on their service line.  

Also, if you are running a sampling program through 120Water, PTD can be used as a means to communicate results, whether it's LCR sampling, school & daycare sampling, etc. 

How Do I Setup PTD?

First and foremost, customers need to ensure that they have the 120Water communications module. Your 120Water Client Success Manager can configure this and will set up the framework of your Public Transparency Dashboard that you can then customize. You'll be provided with a unique URL for the dashboard. 

What Customizations Can I Make to PTD?

Water systems can add their logo, specific text, determine what data is displayed, and more. Watch the short video below to see how this works.

Let's Get To the Good Stuff...How Does PTD Work?

Watch the short video below to see PTD in action once all the customizations are completed. In this video you'll learn how to:

• Access the public facing URL for the map
• Search for specific addresses and locations
• See service line data and historical sampling data (if applicable)
• Generally navigate the map and understand the legend/key

Best Practices

• We recommend PTD to ALL water systems, regardless of system size. It's a convenient way to display your inventory (and sampling) data and provide a resource to your community. This will reduce the burden of digging through records when questions are posed from your customers.
• Publish the URL to your PTD on your utility website for easy access. 
• Publish the URL with information about the inventory program on your social media channels. Generate excitement around the tool and the transparency it provides.
• Include the URL on your verification surveys or annual notifications. Customers love resources, and this is a first line of defense for your internal team before a potential phone call is made to your system.
• Offer a link to an online verification survey on your PTD so customers can access it right there if they have an unknown service line.
• Offer a link where customers can request a sampling kit to test their drinking water. 120Water can setup a Customer Request Sampling program for you so you'll be ready. 

The Public Transparency Dashboard is a powerful tool for maintaining transparency and fulfilling regulatory obligations. By following these best practices, you can ensure that your PTD serves its purpose effectively, providing your community with the information they need while reinforcing your water system’s commitment to transparency.