The objectives of the project were to (1) identify costs, benefits, and risks associated with complete water treatment plant (WTP) plant automation; (2) identify the levels of automation needed for unattended operation; (3) review regulatory requirements related to unattended operation; (4) develop an economic analysis method useful to utility decisions makers for evaluating the life-cycle cost/benefits of automation investments; and (5) develop automation case studies demonstrating the approach.?

The study included questionnaires, a review of literature and applicable regulations, an evaluation of current economic analysis techniques, industry best practices, and case studies. A water utility focus group provided guidance during the project. The intent of this project was not to perform a statistically representative survey of the water industry regarding this topic, but to provide several utility automation experiences for consideration. To that end, six automation case studies were completed and are documented in the report. This report includes information on the current levels of automation available, other industry experience, and cost information; utility case studies and sample economic calculations to enhance understanding the issues and concepts; and tools that will allow a tailored analysis to the unique utility automation situations.?

The authors believe that the report provides a unique and comprehensive source of information, methodologies, and examples for use by decision makers involved in the evaluation and planning of water treatment plant automation projects, specifically, automation projects that facilitate unattended operations. The report provides information not only on the technical aspects of automation but also from a business perspective.

The objectives of the project were to (1) identify costs, benefits, and risks associated with complete water treatment plant (WTP) plant automation; (2) identify the levels of automation needed for unattended operation; (3) review regulatory requirements related to unattended operation; (4) develop an economic analysis method useful to utility decisions makers for evaluating the life-cycle cost/benefits of automation investments; and (5) develop automation case studies demonstrating the approach.?

The study included questionnaires, a review of literature and applicable regulations, an evaluation of current economic analysis techniques, industry best practices, and case studies. A water utility focus group provided guidance during the project. The intent of this project was not to perform a statistically representative survey of the water industry regarding this topic, but to provide several utility automation experiences for consideration. To that end, six automation case studies were completed and are documented in the report. This report includes information on the current levels of automation available, other industry experience, and cost information; utility case studies and sample economic calculations to enhance understanding the issues and concepts; and tools that will allow a tailored analysis to the unique utility automation situations.?

The authors believe that the report provides a unique and comprehensive source of information, methodologies, and examples for use by decision makers involved in the evaluation and planning of water treatment plant automation projects, specifically, automation projects that facilitate unattended operations. The report provides information not only on the technical aspects of automation but also from a business perspective.

The objectives of the project were to (1) identify costs, benefits, and risks associated with complete water treatment plant (WTP) plant automation; (2) identify the levels of automation needed for unattended operation; (3) review regulatory requirements related to unattended operation; (4) develop an economic analysis method useful to utility decisions makers for evaluating the life-cycle cost/benefits of automation investments; and (5) develop automation case studies demonstrating the approach.?

The study included questionnaires, a review of literature and applicable regulations, an evaluation of current economic analysis techniques, industry best practices, and case studies. A water utility focus group provided guidance during the project. The intent of this project was not to perform a statistically representative survey of the water industry regarding this topic, but to provide several utility automation experiences for consideration. To that end, six automation case studies were completed and are documented in the report. This report includes information on the current levels of automation available, other industry experience, and cost information; utility case studies and sample economic calculations to enhance understanding the issues and concepts; and tools that will allow a tailored analysis to the unique utility automation situations.?

The authors believe that the report provides a unique and comprehensive source of information, methodologies, and examples for use by decision makers involved in the evaluation and planning of water treatment plant automation projects, specifically, automation projects that facilitate unattended operations. The report provides information not only on the technical aspects of automation but also from a business perspective.