The design and implementation of a new SCADA system for the Wilmette Water Plant provided a unique opportunity for cooperation between water plant staff, the engineer and the contractor. From the RFP process to select the engineer to the SCADA software and filter instrumentation control scheme selection processes, rating systems were implemented to allow teams of employees from operations and maintenance to provide input. Every effort was made to involve the plant staff in the decision making process when possible. During construction, the plant staff took an active role in working with the contractor to make this project a success. The result has been a construction contract with a relatively small number of "extras" (totalling less than 2% of the contract amount) and a generally smooth transition for the control system from pneumatic to electronic control. More importantly, this involvement has resulted in a gradual acceptance by the water plant staff of the new control system and its inherent advantages. This has helped to give Wilmette's SCADA system a successful start. It is believed that the future of the control system will depend upon how well employee involvement is maintained.