Data Handling Systems in Water Pollution Control

Data handling requirements of water pollution control operations are complex, necessitating the use of electronic computers in national or regional applications. A basic system for data processing, called STORET, has been developed for use in operations within the Division of Water Supply and Pollution Control of the United States Public Health Service. The operating concepts and goals of a fully integrated data handling system necessitate prompt and continuous updating of variable information, its storage in computers for ready access and ease of subsequent mathematical analysis, and final application of the digested data in decisions affecting the pollution situation. Mathematical models, combined with the use of automatic water quality monitoring equipment capable of telemetering data directly to centrally located computers, have important applications in this work.