Why is the automation of water supply systems important for modern cities?

Modern cities, especially those that are vast and rapidly growing, need efficient water supply systems. Without proper management, the risk of breakdowns and outages becomes a real threat to residents. Traditional methods of monitoring and manual control in such large and complex water supply networks no longer work. Solutions are needed that work quickly and allow full control from anywhere.

Automation introduces new possibilities. Remote control and monitoring systems, including SCADA, give operators access to all key information in real time. This means a faster response to any changes or problems, and thus higher security of supply. The example of the JUMO project in Russia shows how such a system can be implemented step by step. The complexity of the project required the cooperation of many players - from infrastructure designers to automation specialists and implementation technicians.

In cities, water management is no longer just a question of technical efficiency, but also a need for continuous monitoring and process optimisation. The aim of automation is to ensure continuity of supply, stability and efficiency at a level that manual control simply cannot guarantee.

How does remote control minimise the risk of valve, pump and pipeline failure? The customer's problem

The complexity of multi-phase urban water supply automation projects poses a number of challenges for engineering companies. In the case of this project, the main contractor is the company responsible for the engineering part of the work for the municipal water supplier. It is this company, which has the entire technical background under its umbrella, that has to ensure that all stages work as intended and are properly integrated. And there is a lot to integrate - the project involves as many as five stages, each with a high degree of complexity, and the entire network requires an extensive control system.

One of the key challenges is the implementation of a remote control system comprising 48 control cabinets to precisely manage water flow and control key parameters such as pressure. Such an infrastructure requires not only the right hardware layout, but also sophisticated software to enable smooth and precise remote control.

Valve control in such an extensive network must be accurate and instantaneous. The customer needs every point in the water supply system to operate reliably on a distributed system, allowing for quick response and minimising the risk of downtime.

How does a distributed automation system support water supply control? Our solution

In order to meet the customer's expectations and ensure full control of the extensive water supply network, we implemented an automation system based on JUMO controllers. This solution enables accurate and reliable water supply management, remotely monitoring and controlling key parameters in the network. Up to 48 control cabinets have been installed as part of the system, which are responsible for the automatic control of the valves, allowing them to be opened and closed quickly and precisely in response to current needs.

Each control cabinet also has a metering function - monitoring parameters such as water pressure and flow, which is key to ensuring stability and adequate pressure throughout the system. Thanks to this distributed infrastructure, the water network is monitored and managed from two central SCADA stations , which allow operators to have full control over water flow and technical parameters from anywhere.

Remote control means that all processes - from pressure regulation to accurate flow measurements - are optimised in real time, increasing the efficiency of network management and minimising the risk of supply interruptions.

Smart water network management system - what benefits has it brought for water supply automation? Customer benefits

The automation of the water supply system using JUMO's solutions has brought concrete and measurable benefits to the customer. First and foremost, it increased the efficiency of managing the entire system. Thanks to remote monitoring and full control over key parameters, operators can react to any problems immediately. Any deviation in pressure or change in flow is visible immediately, allowing for an instant response.

Another benefit is to secure the continuity of the water supply. Automation has allowed more precise control of key parameters - flow, pressure and valve status - significantly reducing the risk of failures and supply interruptions. In such large-scale projects that serve extensive water supply networks, system reliability is crucial, and the distributed solution based on JUMO technology fulfilled this task perfectly.

Thanks to the success of the first three phases, the customer was also reassured that JUMO is not only a technology provider, but also a partner for years to come. The project was thoughtfully phased, and each subsequent implementation was proof to the customer of the competence and reliability of the JUMO team. After the successful three phases, JUMO became a trusted partner of the customer, opening up the possibility of participating in further phases of the project - with the potential for long-term cooperation.

About the author

My name is Ewelina Szmit and I have been working in content marketing for several years, combining my professional skills with my passion for writing. I am convinced that even the most technical topics can be presented in an interesting and accessible way for everyone. Outside of work, I unleash my creativity by creating newspaper collages. I like to spend my free time being active, walking my dog or running.

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