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Supervisory Control And Data Management (SCADA) systems when incorporated in water
management systems are computer‐controlled systems which contain large communication systems
that permit the monitoring and control water treatment and distribution as well as wastewater
collection and treatment. The system allows for supervision through data acquisition and
management with the ability to process and send commands within the system. The communication
system may involve radio, direct wired connections or telemetry. Its dynamic network can allow for
weather forecast model inputs as well as hydraulic model system optimization.

Figure 54 – SCADA software the Western Municipal Water District (WMWD), California

Source: http://www.automationworld.com/sites/default/files/styles/lightbox/public/field/image/120723scada_web.png?itok=IlXV7wPd
Utilities have been using SCADA systems for higher‐level applications; such as determining times of
peak water use, identifying potential system leaks, setting billing rates etc. SCADA systems have
even reduced the operating costs of utilities and have improved the delivery water distribution to
the residential and businesses and industry. The monitoring aspect of SCADA systems also helps
utilities to protect their infrastructure and prevent severe degradation. In 2013, implementation of
SCADA has seen 30% savings on energy used to manage water systems, 20% reduction on water loss
and 20% reduction in disruption. Applying SCADA in an urban system also can see the enhancement
of disaster preparedness through storm water management or support the remote operation and
monitoring of major dams and weirs.

Models, optimization tools and decision support
Model based water management has evolved over the years to improve the quality and quantity of
global water supply through comprehensive modelling applications. These modelling software
incorporate to some extent processes observed in the real world (through equations, algorithms
and scenarios) and contain various data reporting and visualization tools useful for interpreting
results from water distribution piping systems, water quality monitoring data, wastewater
management systems etc. for decision support. Urban water managers have used many models
such as MikeURBAN, Aquacycle, AISUWRS, and UGROW etc.

296 ITU‐T's Technical Reports and Specifications