The City of Ripon Public Works Department uses a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition control system in order to gather, analyze and monitor both water and sewer systems in real time.

Since 1997, this system in place – according to Public Works Director James Pease, SCADA is comprised of hardware and software components that works together as a network, relaying real-time data on water wells and sewer lift station to his staff – has proven to be reliable.

However, Public Works did experience communication failures at several sites. Pease indicated that’s due to the outdated radio equipment along with some physical obstruction.

The SCADA system relies on a network of radio links to relay data from individual sites such as the water wells, lift stations and towers, to name a few.

Enter Tesco Controls, Inc., which was officially hired on at the December City Council meeting to begin the process of upgrading the outdated communication system.

“Tesco has worked with the City since 1997, manufacturing and providing technical support for the SCADA control system,” Pease said in his report to Council.

Cost to complete the work within the proposal is $27,750 and will be paid through Water and Sewer Enterprise Capital Funds.

Tesco would do a detailed radio study and analysis to determine the required upgrades necessary to once again provide the City with a reliable radio communication system.

“Once the survey is complete, a proposal to install and incorporate the recommended upgrades will be forthcoming,” Pease added.