CRDSS_Task1_19-1_CRDSSUserSurvey

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Facilitate communication, information sharing, and information systems development among ? water agencies to promote a more common ground of understanding and a more unified sense of direction concerning operating and managing water resources The surveys indicated that those surveyed shared this vision of the use of CRDSS. Given the division of users into external and internal categories, it appears that internal users envisioned CRDSS as a centralized and sophisticated tool that a few information managers will use to disseminate information to others to help them in their operational and management duties. There seemed some concern about attendance at the CWCB/DWR workshops; some individuals indicated a desire for additional opportunity to attend, learn about the CRDSS, and provide their input to the CRDSS development and implementation process. External users tended to see the system as a tool to facilitate information sharing and communication. They saw CRDSS as a network that will enhance retrieval of information and cooperation towards common goals concerning water issues. They are uncertain about facilities, procedures, and costs for remote access to the CRDSS; but all external users indicated they want to be able to establish remote access. There also seems to a prospect that operations people will look at CRDSS but rea lly not use it, as inertia is common and learning something new requires extra motivation and energy. There was strong interest by external users in standardizing databases and modeling procedures for planning, operations, and decisionmaking. Most of the survey participants wanted a system that was more universally compatible with existing and future databases. They wanted a common set of information standards and maximum portability of data to help in their operations and management decisions. Thus there was a sense of expectation that CRDSS might serve as a tool to coordinate and standardize water information and data. Concerning CRDSS?s technology and software, there was strong interest in all aspects of the database, although there was some uncertainty on how it would be used in their jobs. One would expect more detailed responses on this after they have had a chance to think about it. Water rights, historical flows, and climate data were all of interest. Consumptive use modeling seemed to be of greatest interest across all job functions and users. Those surveyed also showed an eagerness to learn more about and use the system?s GIS capabilities. Those surveyed also indicated that while they expected CRDSS to help them in their work, they did not view the system as a tool that will save time and effort. There was a general feeling that more information requires more time and effort to assimilate an d analyze. If the information that CRDSS delivers or helps deliver is more accurate, delivered in better formats, and above all, useful for the respondent?s job, they will take the time and effort to learn and use the system. It is important that the staff members in the DWR who are assigned to handle database and related efforts are centrally involved in the CRDSS development to provide opportunities for training and development. It is important to organize a coordinated staff support activity, probably assigning it to the existing DWR organization. A cross-agency DSS effort between the CWCB and DWR might increase collaboration between the agencies. Given the inherent tension between regulators and the regulated, and to build support among regulated (external) users, the strategy for CRDSS development should be founded on a framework for considering how the CRDSS could impact agency interactions. The CRDSS management team has conducted 14 A 275 01.09.95 1.19-1 Johnson, Grigg, Tang