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 Frequent
Questions
What are the features of DRINK?
DRINK is a central source for identifying drinking water projects planned
or conducted worldwide. It is user-friendly and easily searchable using
web browser software. Becoming a DRINK partner involves no subscription
fee or maintenance cost because the DRINK system is located and maintained
on EPA’s web server. DRINK also provides links to scientific journals
and regulatory organization’s web sites which allow the user access
to additional information if needed.
What kind of data is housed in the DRINK system?
DRINK houses data from EPA’s ORD tracking system, the Environmental
Information Management System (EIMS) and from academic, industry and other
government agencies. The DRINK system stores, manages, and delivers descriptive
summary data on drinking water-related projects, including abstracts, status
of projects, URLs to datasets and reports, and contact information on projects.
DRINK ensures the integrity of the information by equipping the DRINK system
with security measures that grant partners sole access rights to edit or
update the information they provide.
How does the DRINK system receive and update data?
Partner organizations automatically extract, send and update data from
their relational databases to the DRINK database using a web-based, Document
Type Definition (DTD) –driven data exchange system. This process
allows partners to upload and update their data without modifying their
systems to meet DRINK’s data format. The tool currently being used
for this task is the Staged Electronic Data Delivery (SEDD) System originally
developed for EPA’s Office of Emergency and Remedial Response (OERR).
Will DRINK be modified in the future?
DRINK will be modified to produce automated graphical reports. One report
will display schedules to enable EPA to quickly determine which projects
are complete in time for use in rule development/implementation and other
decision making. Other reports will display information on gaps in current
projects, thus allowing EPA to determine which research needs have insufficient
research in progress. This modification will enhance and facilitate communication
among the research community, encourage coordination of efforts and accelerate
the progress of drinking water research.
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