AWWA CSC91001

The SCADA system in use for the Fountain Valley Authority (Colorado) was inadequate to meet the FVA's long-term requirements. Two types of problems existed: operational flexibility and long-term maintenance of the system. The SCADA software was written in firmware language, which meant any adjustments had to be done by the vendor--an expensive and time-consuming proposition. In addition, as the hardware aged it began to fail. A consultant was retained who suggested the authority purchase a Texas Instruments system and to make use of one of the authority's member cities' mainframe. A ten-point list of factors critical to the success of the SCADA replacement project are given. A table compares the features of alternative SCADA programs and how they met the FVA objectives; a second table gives cost estimates.