7(1)(x)

How the Public Access Counselor has treated 7(1)(x)

Section 7(1)(x) of FOIA exempts maps and other records that disclose the precise location of utility-owned transmission, storage, gathering, or treatment facilities, including water distribution and surface water drainage infrastructure. The exemption is aimed at preventing release of location information that could be used to target infrastructure and endanger public or employee safety.

In the decisions reviewed, the Public Access Counselor upheld denials of storm drain and catch basin location maps, GIS mapping data for Combined Sewer Outfall points, and maps showing residential water shutoff valves. The Counselor treated precise geographic data files as exempt even when a less precise depiction of the same facilities was already publicly available elsewhere.

At a glance: 3 documents from 2026(1 binding opinion, 2 determination letters). Most often cited alongside: 7(1)(k) (Architectural/engineering security-sensitive construction documents) (1).

Recurring issues

• Whether maps showing the locations of storm drains and catch basins qualify as protected surface water drainage infrastructure information. (Locations of surface water drainage infrastructure)
• Whether precise GIS data for Combined Sewer Outfall points remains exempt when a less precise depiction is already public. (GIS shapefiles of Combined Sewer Outfall points)
• Whether maps identifying the exact locations of residential water shutoff valves are records of water distribution facilities. (Maps of residential water shutoff valve locations)

Practical points

• A public body may withhold maps or geographic data files that reveal precise utility facility locations rather than general descriptions.
• A requester seeking outfall, drain, or valve locations should expect that exact coordinates or detailed maps may be withheld under this exemption.

Summary drafted from the linked decisions and checked against them; read the decisions themselves before relying on it. Not legal advice.