Garland, Texas - January 30, 2008 -- The City of Garland Water Utilities Department is saving both money and resources, thanks to increased efficiency attributed to vehicle tracking technology.  The department has released an analysis of its automated vehicle tracking system (AVL).  The system is used to more efficiently dispatch field crews to service calls throughout the City.  
 
The utility reports the following information in demonstrating fuel consumption savings and its contribution toward a cleaner environment.  When comparing Fiscal Year 2007 to 2006 a fuel savings was reported in 75% of the department’s eight (8) divisions.  The divisions combined to save more than 7,500 gallons of fuel or more than $31,000.  The Water Utilities field services include repairing and replacing water infrastructure along with cleaning, videoing and repairing sewer line and related infrastructure.  
 
“We’re very proud of the savings we’ve realized since implementing the AVL system,” says Jack May, Managing Director of Water and Wastewater Utilities.  “In 2007, we completed more work than in 2006 while using less fuel, saving the equivalent of 1.5 gallons of fuel for each completed service order.”
 
The AVL system was implemented as part of the utility’s 2003 to 2006 Strategic Technology Plan and became fully functional toward the end of the 2005 Fiscal Year. 
 
For more information about Garland Water and Wastewater Utilities and its AVL system, log onto www.garlandwater.com/Home/Departments/Utility+Services/Water+Utilities/FleetGreen.htm.