Water-supply system operations: Critiquing expert-system approach

A critiquing expert system provides computer-based-decision support for water-supply system operations of the San Francisco Water Department (SFWD). This implementation of expert-system methods augments the capabilities of a conventional expert system by refining (rather than supplying)an operator's proposed plan. The critiquing system evaluates the operating plan and provides feedback, which includes suggestions for improvement, warnings, and alternatives. The system has several benefits for the SFWD. It documents tacit operating expertise, generates feedback on proposed operating plans, and provides training for novice operators. In addition, the critiquing system has attained a degree of acceptance by the SFWD, even though, historically, expert systems have not been widely adopted by water utilities in the United States. This paper details the critiquing system development process and highlights the benefits of this approach for assisting in operations of a water-supply system.