SCADA System Upgrade: A Major Step Forward for Runaway Bay

Behind the scenes, one of the most important improvements to our city’s infrastructure is nearing completion and it’s already making a meaningful difference.

The City’s upgraded SCADA system (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) is now approximately 95% complete and fully operational across key components of our water and wastewater system. This includes monitoring at the Wastewater Treatment Plant, both water towers, and critical pump systems throughout the city.

For residents, this may not be something you see but it’s something you will benefit from every day. SCADA systems serve as the “eyes and ears” of utility operations. They allow staff to monitor performance in real time, identify irregularities, and respond quickly when something needs attention. The system now in place is part of a widely used platform supporting critical infrastructure across the country, with a presence in Texas cities such as Houston and Dripping Springs.

This upgrade did not happen overnight. The previous system was not compatible with newer technology, requiring the City to modernize the framework. At the same time, staff have been working through legacy operational challenges dating back to 2022. Crews have been correcting sampling procedures, improving reporting practices, and coordinating closely with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) as part of ongoing corrective efforts.

Progress is already being seen as recent lab results are within normal ranges, and system monitoring has improved significantly. Field work is also advancing, including manhole scanning and routine checks of lift stations, giving the City a clearer picture of how the entire system is performing.

While the system is now fully functional, staff continue to actively monitor its performance to ensure everything operates as intended. The final phase will include full automation capabilities, allowing SCADA to independently detect issues and alert crews in real time.

This is more than just a technology upgrade. It represents a shift toward stronger oversight, faster response times, and more reliable service for our community. As additional infrastructure projects move forward in coordination with Freese and Nichols, this system will play a critical role in supporting those improvements and ensuring long-term stability.          

We’re proud of the progress being made and we’ll continue to keep you updated as the final steps are completed.