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Vienna updates: SCADA vendor problems, meter replacement nearly complete, and testing/reporting issues
Summary
Staff told the Utility Board they plan to pursue legal options against a SCADA contractor, reported nearly finished meter replacements, and discussed lead/copper testing and minor reporting violations that will be corrected.
Vienna’s utility staff told the board they plan to send a formal notice to a SCADA vendor after repeated missed commitments, while also reporting progress on meter replacement and some minor testing-reporting violations.
Manager and staff said an outside contractor hired to install and maintain the SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition) system has repeatedly missed commitments and failed to provide reliable support. The board discussed sending a letter and, if needed, an attorney’s demand for reimbursement or removal of software and equipment. “They keep making promises... The SCADA system is not good,” a staff speaker said. Managers said they may pursue legal remedies and that the city is concerned about post-installation support if another vendor must maintain the software.
On meters and other infrastructure, staff reported that roughly 6,000 meters have been replaced over the past year in an in-house program using three additional employees; 50 meters remained to be installed pending a final shipment. Staff noted the in-house approach saved significant contractor costs.
Water quality and reporting: Staff said the city is completing lead and copper testing and filing required reports but acknowledged some procedural errors in sending and recording notifications to testing sites. Those errors produced “minor violations” from the health department related to reporting rather than to water quality; staff said the water itself is safe and that corrective steps and separate notifications will be included outside the Consumer Confidence Report (CCR).
Other infrastructure updates included an elevated tank inspection at Millstone with hatches open for board viewing, and building painting and repairs at a utility facility. Staff will send a formal letter to the SCADA vendor as a first step and return with options if legal action is needed.
