Water Filtration Plant Automation Project (2011 LGAA)

City of Watervliet (Winner)
County: Albany County
Population: 10,001 to 50,000
City Hall: (518) 270-3800

In an effort to cut expenses and consolidate its workforce, the City of Watervliet implemented a Water Filtration Plant Automation Project. In 2008, the City began a systematic plan that in two years time resulted in a fully automated Water Filtration Plant with Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition Computer System (SCADA) which is now monitored remotely by a supervisor. The alarm is linked to Police Dispatchers and Water Department personnel who respond to emergencies. Any municipality that operates a Water Filtration Plant would be a candidate for this type of project.

One of the most significant outcomes of the project that the City has realized is cost savings. The Water Filtration Plant, which three years ago had three shifts, is now down to a single day shift. The employees covering the afternoon and midnight shifts were transferred to the day shift. The program has allowed the city to control costs (elimination of overtime for afternoon and midnight shifts) and mange the loss of operators though attrition. As a result, the City reduced overtime by 17% in 2009 and 54% in 2010, which translates into a .9% tax decrease. The 2011 budget decreases the overtime budget by $15,000, a 43% reduction from 2010. The automation of the Water Plant has also allowed the City to maintain its residential water rates at the same level for three years.

In addition to saving money, the automation of the Watervliet Water Filtration Plant has had other positive effects on city residents. The City has been able to deliver high quality water at a reduced price. The consolidation of labor has resulted in the more efficient delivery of water to residents. It has also allowed for a more comprehensive backwashing of tanks, flushing of water lines and quicker repairs of water mains. Manpower that was previously not available to help with projects due to the 24/7 staffing of the Water Plant can now respond immediately to problems.