News and information on the Water and Wastewater industries
How to Write an RFP for Water Utility SCADA
Writing a Request for Proposal (RFP) for a water utility SCADA system is more than just a procurement exercise—it’s a strategic opportunity to modernize your infrastructure, improve operational efficiency, and ensure long-term reliability. Whether you're a small municipality with limited IT resources or a mid-sized utility looking to upgrade, a well-crafted RFP sets the stage for success. At Mission Communications, we’ve helped hundreds of utilities navigate this process. Here’s how to do it right.
October 30th, 2025
Cybersecurity Best Practices for Municipal SCADA Systems
As municipalities modernize their infrastructure, Municipal SCADA software has become a cornerstone of operational efficiency in water and wastewater management. These systems enable real-time control, data collection, and automation—but they also introduce new cybersecurity risks that small utilities must address proactively.
October 6th, 2025
5 Signs Your Municipality Needs Modern SCADA
Municipal water and wastewater systems are under increasing pressure—from aging infrastructure and regulatory demands to staffing shortages and rising operational costs. Yet many utilities still rely on outdated SCADA systems that were never designed to meet today’s challenges. If your municipality is struggling to keep up, here are five signs that it’s time to upgrade to a modern, managed SCADA platform.
September 25th, 2025
Not Just for Aesthetics — SCADA Widgets Emphasize Clarity
In the world of SCADA systems, data accuracy and reliability are non-negotiable. But as operational complexity grows and remote monitoring becomes the norm, how that data is presented can be just as critical as the data itself. Modern Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs) are evolving to meet these demands—not just with more data, but with smarter design. Visual elements like animations, widgets, and dynamic dashboards are no longer just “nice to have.” They’re strategic tools that help operators make faster, more informed decisions.
September 10th, 2025
Empowering Smarter Wastewater Management at OJRSA
In the heart of Oconee County, South Carolina, the Oconee Joint Regional Sewer Authority (OJRSA) plays a vital role in transporting and treating wastewater for the cities of Seneca, Westminster, and Wahalla. While each city manages its own collection systems, OJRSA ensures that wastewater flows efficiently from trunk lines to the treatment facility using a combination of pump stations and gravity sewer.
August 19th, 2025
Smart Monitoring Brings Peace of Mind to Rural Water Operations
For nearly a decade, Vivian Shaw has been the backbone of Chautauqua County Rural Water District #4 (RWD4) in Kansas. As the sole operator, Shaw oversees a sprawling utility that delivers potable water across Chautauqua and Montgomery counties and the city of Longton. With approximately 275 miles of pipeline and seasonal water distribution ranging from 50,000 to 80,000 gallons annually, her responsibilities are vast—and until recently, incredibly time-consuming.
August 8th, 2025
SCADA Upgrade Brings Big Results for Small Utility
A small rural water utility in the southeastern U.S. has transformed its operations—cutting costs, boosting efficiency, and gaining real-time system visibility—by adopting a cloud-based SCADA solution from Mission Communications.
July 22nd, 2025
Managed SCADA: A Smarter Approach for Water & Wastewater Utilities
In today’s utility landscape, Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems are essential—but traditional models can be costly, complex, and resource-intensive. Managed SCADA offers a modern, cloud-based alternative that’s fully hosted, maintained, and supported by a trusted provider. For small to mid-sized water and wastewater systems, it delivers powerful control and visibility—without the IT burden.
July 2nd, 2025
Why You Should Never Drill Into a Manhole Cover—and What to Do Instead
When installing monitoring equipment in sewer systems, it might seem convenient to drill directly into the manhole cover. After all, it’s right there—flat, accessible, and seemingly ideal. But this approach can lead to serious safety, operational, and regulatory issues. Here’s why you should avoid it—and what to do instead.
June 26th, 2025
The Importance of Monitoring Water and Wastewater Systems in Growing Rural Municipalities
As municipal decision makers in rural water towns and counties plan for expansion, one critical aspect that must be addressed is the monitoring of water and wastewater systems. Ensuring the efficient and reliable operation of these systems is essential for the health and well-being of the community. One effective solution is the implementation of affordable cloud-based SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems, such as those offered by Mission Communications.
June 9th, 2025
SCADA Systems and Telemetry Monitoring: A Comprehensive Guide
In today’s fast-paced world, efficient monitoring and control of water and wastewater infrastructure are crucial for maintaining smooth operations and reducing costs. SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems, combined with telemetry monitoring, offer a powerful blend of hardware and software technologies that improve efficiency, cost, and productivity across various industries.
June 4th, 2025
Enhancing Wastewater Treatment Operations with Telemetry-Connected RTUs: Mission Communications as the Gold Standard
Wastewater treatment operations are essential for maintaining public health and environmental safety. However, these operations often face challenges such as equipment malfunctions, inefficient processes, and high operational costs. One innovative solution to these challenges is the use of telemetry-connected Remote Terminal Units (RTUs). Mission Communications, a leader in this field, sets the gold standard for implementing RTUs in wastewater treatment operations.
May 30th, 2025
Key Factors for Efficient Lift Station Design: Integrating Mission Communications
In the realm of wastewater management, lift stations play a pivotal role in ensuring the efficient and reliable transportation of sewage from lower to higher elevations. The design of these stations is a critical aspect that directly influences their performance, reliability, and overall effectiveness.
May 26th, 2025