SCADA Remote Monitoring of Sewage & Water Pumping Stations and Wells

Remote Monitoring of Pumping Stations (SPS/WPS) — Comprehensive SCADA Solutions for Water Utilities

A sewage pumping station shut down at two in the morning — and no one found out until daybreak, when basement flooding had already begun. A water pumping station failed to reach operating pressure — and half the district lost supply. Both incidents share a single root cause: no remote monitoring in place. LK Energy designs and installs SCADA systems for sewage pumping stations (SPS), water pumping stations (WPS), and artesian wells — from technical specification through commissioning and ongoing service, as a full-cycle EPC contractor.

What Is Dispatching / Remote Monitoring of SPS and WPS — and Why It Matters

Pumping station remote monitoring is the centralised supervision and remote control of sewage pumping stations (SPS) and water pumping stations (WPS), boreholes, and storage tanks from a single dispatch centre in real time.

The system collects data from every node in the network, transmits it to the SCADA platform, displays it on the operator’s mimic diagram, and responds automatically to any deviation from normal — with no human intervention, or with minimal involvement.

Key outcomes:

• Reduction in emergency call-outs — in the range of 50–80% depending on the current condition of the network and equipment type*
• Energy savings — in the range of 15–30% through variable-frequency drive control of pumps*
• Reduction in water losses — in the range of 10–25% through early detection of unaccounted-for leakage*

*Indicative figures. Actual results depend on the current condition of equipment, network configuration, electricity tariffs, and the level of maintenance before system implementation.

What Assets Does the Remote Monitoring System Cover

LK Energy automates the full range of water and wastewater infrastructure assets:

• SPS — sewage pumping stations: wet-well level monitoring, sewage pump control, high-level overflow alarm
• WPS — water booster pumping stations: network pressure regulation, cascade pump control, flow metering
• Artesian wells — single and clustered: static water table level, instantaneous and daily yield, submersible pump status
• Clean water reservoirs (CWR) — fill-level monitoring, inlet and outlet control
• Water towers — level and supply pressure monitoring, valve position monitoring

The architecture scales from a single SPS serving a small village to dozens of assets across a regional water utility’s distributed network.

Three-Tier SCADA Architecture

Every industrial remote monitoring system is built on a three-tier architecture, with each tier having a clearly defined function.

Tier 1 — Field Instrumentation

Sensors and actuators are installed at each site:

• Level transmitters (hydrostatic or ultrasonic) — for SPS wet wells and CWR tanks
• Pressure gauges and pressure transmitters — on pump suction and discharge, in the pressure header
• Flow meters (electromagnetic) — metering of water supplied and pumped
• Current and voltage sensors — monitoring pump motor power consumption
• Temperature sensors — motor windings, bearings, transformer substation
• Vibration sensors — for pump unit condition diagnostics (optional)
• Motor-operated valves — remote open/close actuation

Tier 2 — PLCs and Communication Channel

An industrial programmable logic controller (PLC) from a leading manufacturer is installed in the automation panel at each site. The PLC:

• reads data from sensors (analogue and digital inputs)
• executes automatic control algorithms (level regulation, pressure regulation, pump cascade)
• transmits data to the SCADA platform via the communication channel (GPRS/GSM modem, 4G, fibre optic, or radio link)
• supports a local HMI (Human-Machine Interface) — an operator panel installed directly at the site

Communication protocols with SCADA: Modbus RTU/TCP (the mainstream choice for water utilities), as well as OPC UA for ERP system integration.

Tier 3 — Dispatch Centre (SCADA)

The SCADA server and operator workstations provide:

• Real-time mimic display of the entire network
• Trend archiving — storage of all parameters with timestamps for analysis and reporting
• Alarm event logs and operator action logs
• Automated report generation (daily, monthly, annual) for technical staff and management
• Remote control of pumps and valves

What Is Monitored: Full Parameter List

The dispatcher and the system track the following parameters automatically:

At SPS:

• Wet-well level (current value, high/low alarm setpoints)
• Status of each pump unit (on/off, operating mode, current, run-hours)
• Discharge pressure
• Electricity consumption (kWh — for automated metering / AEMS)
• Phase presence, phase imbalance, voltage dips
• Flooding detection (sump-level sensor)
• Temperature in the automation panel and pump room

At WPS:

• Suction pressure and pressure in the delivery main
• Flow rate (m³/h) and cumulative totals (m³ per day, per month)
• VFD operating parameters (setpoint, actual frequency, current)
• Number of starts and duration of each cycle
• Status of circuit breakers and protective devices

At wells/boreholes:

• Static and dynamic water level (level transmitter or float switches)
• Yield per cycle / per day
• Submersible pump status and dry-run protection status

All parameters are stored with trend archiving — a typical logging interval is 1–5 minutes, subject to requirements.

Automatic Control and Operating Mode Optimisation

Remote monitoring is more than just observation. The system performs automatic control without human intervention:

Level Control (SPS)

The PLC starts and stops pumps based on the wet-well level. A pump alternation algorithm ensures even run-hours and prevents overloading of any single unit.

Variable-Frequency Drive Control (WPS)

The variable-frequency drive (VFD) regulates the pump motor speed in response to the actual network pressure — maintaining the setpoint to an accuracy of approximately ±0.2–0.5 bar (depending on the pressure sensor and PID-loop tuning). This is the primary energy-saving mechanism: the pump consumes exactly as much energy as is required at any given moment, rather than running at full speed.

Cascade Pump Control

As water demand increases (morning peak), the system automatically brings additional pumps online; as demand subsides, it takes them offline. Each successive start is ramped through the VFD, eliminating water hammer.

Daily Schedules and Time Programmes

The operator configures operating schedules — for example, reduced pressure at night, elevated pressure in the morning. The system executes the schedule automatically.

Alarm Events and Notifications

When an alarm condition arises, the system acts through multiple channels simultaneously:

1. Audible and visual alarm on the on-site HMI panel
2. Emergency SMS notification — automatically sent to the on-duty dispatcher’s and service manager’s phones
3. Telegram notification (where configured) — including site name, parameter, and event timestamp
4. Entry in the SCADA event log with timestamp

Typical alarms monitored:

• SPS pump room flooding (sump-level sensor)
• Phase loss or phase imbalance (pump fails to start → motor damage risk)
• Motor over-temperature (thermal protection)
• SPS wet-well level reaches emergency-high setpoint
• Standby pump emergency start
• Loss of communication with site for more than N minutes (self-diagnostics)
• Unauthorised opening of the automation panel door (tamper contact)

The system supports alarm escalation — if the on-duty operator does not acknowledge within the configured time, the notification is forwarded to the next person in the responsibility chain.

Trend Archive and Reporting

An industrial SCADA stores a complete archive of all parameters with timestamps. This is not merely a technical convenience — it is a regulatory requirement.

Uses of the archive:

• Post-incident analysis: what was happening in the 10–30 minutes before the failure
• Demonstrating compliance with the process specification during inspections
• Planning maintenance on the basis of actual run-hours
• Water metering reporting in accordance with applicable building regulations

Standard reports:

• Daily water supply and pumping balance (m³)
• Electricity consumption profile by site
• Operating time for each pump (run-hours, number of starts)
• Monthly alarm event summary

Reports are generated automatically and can be exported in PDF / Excel format for submission to management or the regulator.

Energy Efficiency: Measurable Results

Pump operating mode has the greatest single impact on electricity consumption. Traditional on/off control schemes result in excess network pressure and premature equipment wear.

Deploying variable-frequency drives in combination with automatic control makes it possible to:

• Maintain network pressure precisely at the process setpoint — with no overshoot
• Eliminate no-load starts and short-cycling (frequent on/off switching accelerates motor wear and draws higher inrush current)
• Implement a reduced night-time operating mode (where process requirements permit)

Indicative energy savings when converting a WPS to VFD control — in the range of 15–30% of current consumption.* For a water utility with an annual electricity bill of 2–5 million UAH, this represents an estimated saving of 300,000 to 1.5 million UAH per year.

*Actual savings depend on the current pump operating regime, network configuration, and prevailing electricity tariffs. A precise calculation is made following a site audit.

Integration with an automated electricity metering system (AEMS) enables consumption to be recorded by time-of-use zone and consumption to be optimised against the off-peak tariff.

Integration with Metering and Adjacent Systems

A SCADA system does not operate in isolation. Integration at the industrial protocol level is provided with:

• Variable-frequency drives — via the Modbus RTU/TCP interface or proprietary embedded protocols (depending on the VFD manufacturer). Operating modes, setpoints, actual current, and voltage are read.
• Electricity meters — via the M-Bus protocol or Modbus, for AEMS reporting
• Water meters (flow meters) — via M-Bus or PLC pulse input

At the workstation level (where required) — integration with:

• The utility’s ERP system (1C, BAS) for production accounting data transfer
• GIS (geographic information system) for displaying events on the network map

Communication Channels and Data Transmission Reliability

The communication link between the field level and the dispatch centre is the most critical element of the system. LK Energy designs communication channels in accordance with the reliability requirements and the client’s budget.

Principal options:

Channel redundancy: for critical assets, two independent channels from separate network operators are designed in. On loss of the primary channel, the PLC automatically switches to the backup. If communication with a site is lost for longer than the configured threshold, the SCADA generates a “Communication lost” alarm.

PLC in standalone mode: even on complete loss of communication with the dispatch centre, the PLC continues to execute the site control algorithm — data is buffered and transmitted once the link is restored.

Implementation Stages: From Audit to Service

An SPS/WPS remote monitoring project proceeds through several sequential phases:

1. Network Technical Audit

Survey of existing assets: equipment inventory, assessment of pump and switchgear condition, GSM coverage check, identification of problem sites with the highest incident frequency.

2. Technical Specification and Design

Development of the SCADA scheme (architecture, protocols, equipment specification), agreement with the client. For assets in municipal ownership — submission for design review and approval.

3. Equipment Supply

Automation panels, PLCs, sensors, variable-frequency drives, GSM modems. All equipment is procured strictly in accordance with the project specification.

4. Installation

Installation of automation panels at sites, sensor mounting, cable routing, connection to power circuits. All work is carried out by LK Energy’s own installation crew.

5. Programming and Commissioning

PLC programming (control algorithms, setpoints), SCADA project development (mimic diagrams, trends, reports, alarm messages). Site-by-site commissioning — verification of all operating modes.

6. Handover and Personnel Training

System handover to the client, preparation of documentation (data sheets, diagrams, operator instructions). Training of dispatchers and technicians in HMI and SCADA operation.

7. Ongoing Service

Warranty and post-warranty support: software updates, scheduled inspections, prompt fault resolution. The scope and terms of support are defined in the maintenance agreement.

Service and Technical Support After Commissioning

“Deliver and walk away” is not how we work. After commissioning, LK Energy provides:

• Technical support — responding to queries from the client’s operators and technical staff in accordance with the maintenance agreement
• Remote monitoring and maintenance — system diagnostics, PLC and SCADA settings updates without a site visit, via a secured VPN connection
• Scheduled inspections — sensor verification, communication channel checks, alarm signal testing
• Emergency response — dispatch of a field crew under the terms of the agreement

The warranty period for completed works is as specified in the contract (set individually).

For critical infrastructure assets, we recommend entering into a long-term maintenance agreement with a defined response time (SLA) — this eliminates the risk of system downtime in the event of a fault.

Regulatory Framework

Design and installation of water utility remote monitoring systems is governed by:

• DBN V.2.5-75:2013 “Sewerage. External networks and structures. Fundamental design provisions” (primary standard for SPS)
• DBN V.2.5-74:2013 “Water supply. External networks and structures. Fundamental design provisions” (for WPS)
• IEC 61131-3 — standard for industrial PLC programming languages (harmonised in Ukraine)
• IEC 60870-5-104 — telecontrol protocol (for integration with higher-level systems)

For assets classified as critical infrastructure — the requirements of Law of Ukraine No. 1882-IX “On Critical Infrastructure” with respect to control system protection apply.

LK Energy carries out all work in compliance with applicable legislation and prepares the complete set of technical documentation required for commissioning and handover.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What does it cost to implement remote monitoring for one SPS? The cost depends on the condition of existing equipment, pump type, distance to the dispatch centre, and the chosen communication channel. An indicative cost for the automation panel and PLC for a single mid-size SPS is from 150,000–250,000 UAH, excluding installation works and SCADA licences.* An exact figure is available only after a site audit.

*Indicative figures, calculated individually following a site survey.

2. Is it possible to connect existing legacy pumping stations? Yes, in most cases. Even where an older relay-based control scheme is in place, we replace the automation panel while retaining or upgrading the pump units. The solution is tailored individually based on the survey findings.

3. Which SCADA platform do you use? The choice of SCADA platform depends on system scale and client preferences. We have hands-on experience with several industrial SCADA solutions. For details on our current technology stack, please contact the project manager.

4. What happens when the power goes out at an SPS? In our standard configuration, the PLC and SCADA communication are backed by an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) for 30–60 minutes — to maintain communications and allow the pump cycle to complete correctly. On a prolonged outage, the system enters a safe state and logs the alarm.

5. Does each station need a permanent internet connection? A GSM signal (3G/4G) or another communication channel is required. A fixed broadband connection is not necessary — mobile connectivity is sufficient for telemetry transmission. At sites without GSM coverage, we use a radio link or LoRaWAN.

6. Can the system be operated from a mobile phone? Yes, with the appropriate SCADA client or web interface — the dispatcher can view site status and receive alarm notifications on a smartphone. SMS notifications work on any mobile phone.

7. Who maintains the system after handover? LK Energy provides warranty and post-warranty maintenance. Terms and scope of support are defined in a separate maintenance agreement. We recommend entering into a service agreement for a minimum term of 2–3 years.

8. Do you carry out work under ProZorro public procurement? Yes. LK Energy has experience in tendering for municipal utility and water utility contracts. We prepare all required technical documentation in accordance with CPV classification DK 021:2015. For further details — contact our project manager.

9. How long does project delivery take? From contract signing to commissioning — typically 2–4 months for a standard network of 5–10 sites. Timescales depend on the number of sites, equipment lead times, and the availability of complete technical documentation.

10. What does personnel training cover? Training of dispatchers in SCADA interface operation, familiarisation of technical staff with PLC operating principles and control algorithms, and handover of operating instructions and emergency procedures. Training is included in the commissioning scope.

Why Clients Choose LK Energy

• Full-stack SCADA competence — PLC programming, dispatch mimic diagram development, communication protocol configuration, and data archiving
• EPC model — design, supply, installation, and service under one roof, with no subcontracting on critical operations
• ProZorro tender experience — thorough understanding of documentation requirements for municipal clients
• Over 20 years (since 2005) in industrial electrical engineering and automation
• Full documentation accountability — complete design and as-built documentation packages, data sheets, commissioning certificates

Further reading: Street lighting remote monitoring for municipalities — another area of SCADA automation provided by LK Energy for municipal clients.

Request a Network Audit

The first step towards remote monitoring is a free preliminary technical audit of your network: we survey your sites, document the condition of equipment, assess the automation potential, and deliver a preliminary technical solution with an indicative cost estimate.

Fill in the form below — provide your organisation’s name, city/region, approximate number of SPS and WPS, contact person, and phone number. We will review your enquiry and respond within one business day.

Alternatively, contact us directly — details in the Contacts section.