Report No SR3861/1

Mar 1995

This report is a record of trial exchanges of wastewater quality data between Sniffer (Clyde RPB) the NRA and WRc, using a recently developed electronic data interchange (EDI) format. The EDI format was developed under the EC TEDIS programme and consists of a message called WASWAT, which uses the preferred EDI standard, EDIFACT. Data transfer consists of (1) translation from the sender's database into the WASWAT message, via an interface file, (2) transfer between organisations via a telecommunications network, and (3) translation from the WASWAT message into the receiver's database format, via an interface file. All translations and transfers are handled by software. During the trials, real wastewater quality data were transferred between the participating organisations. The trials were successful but identified several needs that the draft WASWAT message was unable to meet. The message was revised accordingly.

Following ratification by an EDIFACT Board, the WASWAT message will become an international standard.

KEY WORDS

Data transfer, water quality data, EDI, EDIFACT, EC TEDIS programme

Copies of the report are available from FWR, price £30.00, less 20% to FWR Members.