We live in a data-driven age with nearly instant access to information using hand-held devices and computers. The evolution of the Internet and use of web-based applications has become the norm for most Americans. Unfortunately, the migration to electronic data deliverables has been a slow process for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and they have struggled to launch a system compatible with State databases for uploading water quality monitoring data. Many, (if not most) drinking water system rely on antiquated paper reports to submit monthly monitoring data to their primacy agency. In turn, States spend tens of thousands of hours each year manually entering compliance sample results into databases. This labor-intensive effort has resulted in untimely data entry; transcription errors; misplaced reports; and erroneous violations issued to utilities.

In late 2016, EPA finally addressed the need for electronic data reporting by launching their new web-based data reporting system called the Compliance Monitoring Data Portal (CMDP). The system allows laboratories and drinking water utilities to electronically upload compliance data, which is synchronized seamlessly with State and Tribal agencies. The portal replaces paper-based reporting, leading to more timely and higher-quality monitoring data. Once entered into CMDP and approved, data is shared with State primacy agencies in less than one hour. Drinking water systems using CMDP no longer need to submit hard copy reports to primacy agencies.

CMDP registration and access is controlled by the State’s primacy agency. Once credentials and roles are created, data may be uploaded into CMDP by laboratories and/or by water systems. While manual data entry into CMDP is an option, the preferred method is to load XML files that may contain hundreds of data points. CMDP automatically notifies water systems by E-mail that new data is available for review, approval, and release to primacy agencies.

EPA has developed several methods for generating XML files for uploading into CMDP: 1) using Microsoft Excel workbook templates with embedded macros; 2) using Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) capable of exporting data using the CMDP Representation State Transfer Application Programming Interface (ReST API). Entering data using the Excel workbook method amounts to manual data entry and is not a desirable tool for inexperienced users.

NJBSoft is excited to announce that a third option for generating XML files has been developed within SAMS Water, providing water utilities greater control and management of compliance data uploaded into CMDP. Since laboratory data is already synchronized with SAMS Water, XML files can readily be generated within the system and uploaded into CMDP. SAMS Water has made it easy for your staff to access EPA’s Compliance Monitoring Data Portal by using the ‘External Link’ on the top ribbon and selecting ‘CMDP” from the pull down menu. To learn more about CMDP exports using SAMS Water, give us a call at 602-759-1905