Strategic Goal #2

Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) System

Issue

The existing SCADA system was installed in 1996.  It has served the District well but such technology is only reliable for about 10 years.  Frequency and severity of problems with the SCADA system are increasing.  It is difficult and expensive to find technical support to work on the proprietary software (Paragon) used with the current system.  When the SCADA system was installed there were few security concerns so there are few security features.

A new state-of-the-art SCADA system is needed to improve system operation, reliability, and security.  It will require new computer hardware, software, controls, and a long-term maintenance contract.

Goal

Replace the old SCADA system with a new state-of-the-art SCADA system to improve the performance, reliability, and security of water and sewer systems.

Strategy

1.      Research manufacturers, vendors, and users of the latest SCADA technology.  Follow the Mission Hills Community Services District project to replace its SCADA system in 2005.

2.      Operations Manager to determine the general design and parameters of the new SCADA system.

3.      Pursue grant funds.  The District submitted a Prop 50 Grant pre-application for $60,000 (half of a $120,000 total project cost) in December 2004.

Cost  (Capital Budget)

Estimated cost for a new SCADA system is $120,000.

No impact to monthly water rates.

No impact to monthly sewer rates.

Development impact is 0%.