Lehi upgrades water system with SCADA and fiber optic technology

The Los Alamos County Board of Public Utilities held a work session on March 5, 2025, focusing on advancements in water management and system upgrades. The meeting included discussions on the complexities of water extraction from the aquifer and the challenges associated with boosting water through the distribution system.

One key point raised was the potential for graduate students to engage in research related to the water management project, highlighting its complexity and the various scenarios involved in water extraction and distribution. The conversation emphasized the need for a sophisticated understanding of the system, likening it to a graph theory problem.

The board also discussed ongoing upgrades to the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system and fiber optic connections. These improvements are expected to enhance the county's water management capabilities significantly. With the implementation of these upgrades, the board anticipates gaining access to real-time data, which will allow for smarter pumping strategies and better management of water resources.

The discussion underscored the importance of maintaining tank levels while optimizing water extraction rates, indicating a need for continuous flow modeling to ensure efficient operations. The board expressed optimism that the SCADA upgrades would provide more data points, moving away from the current rudimentary system to a more advanced and responsive framework.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the county's commitment to improving its water management systems through technology and research, setting the stage for more effective resource management in the future.