Small town implements secure, stable SCADA system

Problem
Wolfforth, Texas, is a city of under 4,000 people. Its water/wastewater utility department was struggling because its SCADA system required frequent maintenance, requiring employees to work overtime to fix the system and manually operate the water processing facilities.

Solution
The utility contacted Lubbock Electric Company, a local control system integrator, to design a secure SCADA system that would be both affordable and reliable. InduSoft Web Studio was selected. Thanks to its 200 native drivers, it enables users to securely access the control center automation system from remote locations to troubleshoot and better manage the system. The PC-based package also offers advanced real-time data, alarming, trending and a user-friendly graphical interface.

Result
Since implementing the system, operators have been able to learn it quickly due to the ease of navigation throughout the screens. The reliable security alarm notifications have also given the operators confidence that was previously lacking. They can now securely control wells from any of the three water tower levels; configure them to start/stop at many level priorities, enabling complete system configuration from one screen; receive email-to-text security alarm messages; and use historical trending for all tower and tank levels. 877/463-8763; www.indusoft.com.

Electronic locks help water department meet Homeland Security mandate

Problem
Shortly after 9/11, the Collier County (Fla.) Water Department conducted a U.S. EPA vulnerability assessment to identify potential security threats. The assessment revealed a need to tighten up security to meet Department of Homeland Security mandates under the Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act.

Solution
The county deployed the CyberLock access control system from Videx for its ability to control and audit all access activity. The department installed more than 600 electronic locks and padlocks on administrative office doors, repump station and well-house doors, and placed electronic padlocks on gates and underground sample stations. Each employee and contractor is assigned an electronic key programmed with a schedule of access permissions. Both the lock and key record all access activity, including access-denied events.

Result
The county now provides substantial proof to the Health Department and EPA that it is diligent in securing the facilities. In addition, the audit reporting ensures that people are doing their jobs, water samples are being pulled at the correct locations and scheduled security checks are being made throughout the wellfields. 541/738-5500; www.cyberlock.com.