Placer County Water Agency SCADA System Upgrade Project

This project envisaged the use of Wide Area Network (WAN) to connect each of the treatment plants, which enables PCWA to control and monitor the plant from anywhere within the WAN.

Each PCWA treatment plant is equipped with an iFix SCADA server for local control and monitoring of the plant process. The SCADA communication system is divided in to two segments: one for Control Network (C-Net) where in all plant PLC and other controlling devices are connected; and other Information Network (I-Net) which connects all the SCADA servers over the LAN/WAN.

All treatment plant SCADA servers are connected to each other via WAN communication. The WAN system includes T1 communication, local area networks and wireless communication depending on the needs of the individual facility. A 56Kb telephone modem network provides redundant backup communication to T1 network.

The SCADA system also controls and monitors the PCWA’s Distribution System. PCWA distribution system consists of various Pressure Reducing Stations, Tanks, and Pump Station. Each one of them communicates to SCADA system via licensed and unlicensed radio networks.

A 20000 point iHistorian collects data periodically as configured from all iFix servers over WAN/LAN. This data is utilized for historical analysis (trends) as well as for automatic reporting software. All iFix servers are also configured to log data locally as backup to remote logging.

A redundant Wonderware SCADAlarm provides alarm call-out and call-in functionality. This also provide process data information to the operator over the phone system.

Overall, the SCADA system has nearly 30000 points and 1000s of graphics for PCWA to operate and maintain their treatment plants effectively.