Why SCADA modernization is a priority for water utilities

Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems are a vital tool, supporting water utility companies as they maintain public health, ensure compliance and optimize operations. They are a crucial component in keeping our water clean, available and safe. But many systems are now showing their age, creating undue risk. And while the need for modernization is pressing, water professionals are understandably concerned about the difficulties involved in such a complex migration.

Our digital solutions director, Derek Schell, and our global water digital lead, Mike Karl, consider the challenges and opportunities awaiting water utilities considering a SCADA modernization project.

Reducing risk. Increasing opportunity.

Automation has been at the heart of water utilities for decades, performing some of the most critical system functions that support operations. However, as legacy SCADA systems age, they become a critical liability. Over the years they have been patched and modified to keep them running, but this has resulted in suboptimum performance.

Many of these systems were installed at the same time the plants were constructed. As technology has rapidly advanced, they are becoming obsolete and fragmented. Investment in renewal is urgently needed to avoid the risk of system failure which could lead to potential health hazards, regulatory permit violations and fines .

Upgrading to modern SCADA technology is a necessity and an investment in the future. It offers a more intuitive and efficient platform, making it easier for new operators to learn, manage, and optimize processes, ultimately safeguarding public health, enhancing operational resilience and reducing costs.

Facing up to the challenges

Any major system change brings its fair share of challenges. Recognizing that these difficulties exist is a big step toward overcoming them. Here are the three main challenges water utilities face when addressing SCADA modernization:

1. Scale. These huge systems can’t be swapped out overnight – it can take between three and ten years for a complete modernization. New technology needs to be configured, but the greatest challenge is rewiring and installing the system. There can be anywhere from thousands to hundreds of thousands of connection points within water utilities, all of which require commissioning and testing. The sheer scale of the project demands meticulous planning and execution.
2. Risk. How can water utilities continue to safeguard public and environmental health while the change is carried out? Simply turning off an entire city’s drinking water and sanitation system while you move to a new system is not an option. It can be likened to upgrading an aircraft’s flight systems mid-flight – complex, high-stakes, but ultimately necessary for improved performance and safety.
3. Integration. Some water utility companies run on many proprietary automation systems. What’s more, these existing control systems typically lack compatibility with modern non-proprietary-business systems and resist straightforward integration. Successful SCADA modernization hinges on seamlessly integrating new technologies with existing infrastructure, requiring innovative solutions and strategic planning.

Where are you on the SCADA maturity curve?

The SCADA maturity curve shows what level your business has already achieved in terms of embracing the new technology – and how far it must go. The industry average is between levels 2 and 3, meaning many water utilities are near the start of their journeys.

As water utility companies ascend this curve, they gain increasingly sophisticated tools for data analysis, real-time decision-making and operational optimization. This progression translates directly into enhanced efficiency, improved service reliability, and more effective resource management.

More SCADA-mature water utilities can also react faster to changes in their business. This agility becomes a strategic advantage, allowing for swift adaptation to regulatory changes, shifts in consumer demand or other unexpected events. Ultimately, they will be able to use predictive technology to stay one step ahead – reducing risk and opening further opportunities for technological development.

Progressing along this curve doesn’t necessitate a complete system overhaul. Many utilities find success in a strategic, phased approach that balances immediate operational improvements with a long-term technological vision.

It’s time to seize the opportunity

The challenges may be sizeable, but the benefits of SCADA modernization can be transformative for water utilities – providing flexibility and boosting operational efficiency.

Water utilities can:

• Safeguard the water system against downtime or cyber events through a more resilient and cyber-safe SCADA system.
• Leverage advanced analytics and control strategies for precise chemical dosing, decreasing energy use and reducing carbon emissions all while improving water quality.
• Rationalize and prioritize alarms, so operators can focus their attention on the most critical processes.
• Free up the business to oversee its own future by becoming independent of the original system’s vendors. Choosing a technology platform provides the flexibility to self-perform upgrades or approach a more competitive marketplace.
• Mitigate risk by using technology that works seamlessly, with none of the ‘weak links’ of a patched-up legacy system.
• Be more flexible with talent – building in-house capabilities for maintenance or upgrades to minimize potential challenges with out-of-date or faulty systems.
• Take advantage of new technologies to improve efficiencies. For instance, using data collected by SCADA, water quality can be enhanced through AI, machine learning and increased automation. Digital twins are another valuable technology that can offer water utilities many benefits.
• Achieve comprehensive situational awareness, enabling real-time, system-wide insights for proactive management and rapid response to emerging issues across the water system.

Steps to success

For those considering SCADA modernization, you’ll want to start with a master plan, which examines the current state of your infrastructure and where you would like it to be in the future. You can then evaluate appropriate technologies to achieve your goals.

Developing an implementation approach is also essential. Your strategy must address one of the most critical phases: that of protecting your utility against undue risk during the transition, while engaging operation and maintenance staff throughout the project to own and operate the new technology.

Successful SCADA modernization involves technology, but also requires focus on people, business and workflow processes, and aligning with the utilities’ priorities while achieving a long-term vision.  By aligning these elements, utilities can unlock new levels of operational excellence and resilience. And our communities can continue to enjoy clean, safe and stable water supplies.

If you’d like to find out more about SCADA modernization, from planning and design to seamless migration and commissioning, please get in touch with our Digital Water team.