A rule-based expert system framework for small water systems: proof-of-concept

Abstract Expert systems, when implemented with rigorous content and ease of use, are uniquely valuable to small water systems where personnel will frequently be required to function in multiple capacities with diverse skill requirements. In this study, the potential for using expert systems to supplement the ‘breadth versus depth’ paradigm prevalent in the operations and management of small water utilities is demonstrated. An expert system framework was constructed using a limited, but extensible set of rules for compliance monitoring decision support. Two expert system shells were incorporated to answer both data- and goal-driven questions. A native XML database was used to store the rules and to ensure consistency, extensibility and eliminate duplication between inference mechanisms. The Environmental Protection Agency's Total Coliform Rule was codified into the XML rules database and used to demonstrate ‘proof-of-concept.’