18706_Authority_Oct

13 Every day we hear about the power of data to solve complex problems and transform society. Data from SCADA systems GIS, hydraulic models, and sensors can be used to optimize performance, detect issues before they become costly emergencies, and safely evaluate system enhancements before large expenditures of time and money. Many small and mid-size utilities think sophisticated data analysis is out of reach, but that’s no longer the case. Digital twins are quickly becoming a new standard for water and wastewater utilities, and the rise of artificial intelligence is accelerating their value. A digital twin combines data from your SCADA systems GIS, hydraulic models, sensors, and field activity to create a living digital representation of your physical infrastructure. It is essentially a virtual replica of your water or wastewater system with real-time data and predictive insights. Whether your utility is ready to invest in solutions like these right now or that investment is still years away, you can take smart steps right now to move toward a more data- driven approach to decision-making. By developing a clear vision, strengthening your data foundation, and engaging your team in the process, your utility can begin its digital journey with confidence. Taking proactive steps today will bring immediate operational benefits and position your organization to lead in an era where intelligent, connected infrastructure will define effective utility management. Define your goals: what do you want data to help you accomplish? A strong digital transformation begins with a shared vision. When leadership defines a clear direction for how data will enhance operations, serve the community, and support long-term planning, the entire organization gains momentum. Emphasize aligning digital initiatives with your broader mission and empowering staff with purpose and clarity. Define a clear digital vision Articulate what success looks like in a digital future, from improving system reliability to enabling proactive planning and service transparency. Embed this vision into strategic plans, capital improvement programs, and leadership discussions. A well-defined vision becomes a powerful tool to guide decisions, energize teams, and inspire confidence in the path ahead. Track digital maturity over time Build on your vision by regularly assessing your utility’s progress. Self-assessments and readiness surveys help identify strengths, reveal opportunities, and inform the next steps. Tracking digital maturity over time keeps your team focused, recognizes milestones, and ensures continued alignment with evolving goals and community needs. Identify the data you currently have available, assess its quality, and begin to fill in gaps Ensure that key systems like SCADA and GIS can provide accurate, consistent, and accessible data. Coordinate with SCADA vendors Ensure your SCADA system can export clean, open, and accessible data. Begin conversations with your integrator or vendor about supporting real-time data feeds and open protocols. Develop or update your hydraulic model Ensure your water system has an accurate, functional hydraulic model that reflects current infrastructure. If a model exists, validate its accuracy and expand its use beyond design to support operational decision-making and scenario planning. A well-maintained model is critical for simulation, forecasting, and integration with a digital twin. Full sewer system models are less common, but targeted modeling of key basins or interceptors can still add value to a digital twin. These models support wet weather planning, risk identification, and capital improvement decisions. Even partial models—when linked with SCADA, GIS, and asset data—can improve system insight and decision-making. Modernize and maintain GIS data Maintain accurate, structured spatial data across your entire system. GIS should be complete, well-layered, and regularly updated to support integration and decision-making. The GIS data will be used for keeping the hydraulic model up to date as well as for asset and customer meter locations and mapping information. Standardize data naming and formatting Align asset identifiers and metadata fields across SCADA, GIS, asset management, and modeling systems. Consistent naming reduces integration barriers and improves automation potential. Continued on page 51. Data and digital solutions enable utilities to do more with less as financial, environmental, and regulatory pressures grow.