Automation includes process control, SCADA, instrumentation, data collection and management, power distribution and management, smart devices, security, safety systems, optimization, information technology and operational technology.
Data Acquisitions Best Practice Document
To download a copy of the draft Data Acquisitions Best Practice Document, please click here.
Comments are being collected until September 11, 2026. To submit comments or questions, please contact waterinfo@owwa.ca.
The Ontario Water Works Association (OWWA) Automation Committee is pleased to announce the launch of an Automation Forum, designed to serve as a central hub for knowledge sharing and the promotion of automation in the water utility sector. This forum aims to clarify and encourage the adoption of automation technologies, while fostering collaboration and learning within the industry.
Have questions about automation?
Whether you’re facing specific challenges with automation or wish to explore a particular topic, this forum provides a platform for you to submit inquiries and engage in meaningful discussions.
The Automation Committee will review all submissions and provide responses, which will be made accessible to OWWA members and the general public. In cases where recurring themes or widespread interest emerge, the Committee may organize workshops or webinars to delve deeper into those subjects.
Terms and Conditions
Responses posted in the OWWA Automation Forum are prepared by the OWWA Automation Committee and reflect current standards and industry best practices. However, please note the following:
- Response Prioritization: Not all submissions may receive a response. The Automation Committee retains full discretion in prioritizing and responding to submissions.
- Response Time: The Automation Committee will endeavor to respond in a timely manner as the committee gathers and reviews the submissions.
- Guidance Only: Responses are intended as general guidance. It is the responsibility of each user to thoroughly evaluate any information provided with respect to regulatory requirements, as well as system specific policies, practices or other circumstances, before implementation.
- Limitation of Liability: The OWWA assumes no liability for any damages or losses arising from the use of information provided in the forum. This includes, but is not limited to, issues caused by faults, omissions, system failures, performance disruptions, data corruption, computer viruses, unauthorized access, or any other cause of action.
All content shared in this forum is strictly for informational purposes and does not constitute professional advice.
Collection of Contact Information: Contact details are collected solely for the purpose of responding to inquiries or requesting additional information as needed. These details will remain confidential and will not be shared publicly.
| Question | Response |
Are there viable alternatives for PLC automation equipment that is not based on US manufactured products sourced from the US? | Siemens is a German company, and their main PLC product lines such as the SIMATIC S7 series are primarily manufactured in Germany and other parts of Europe. While Siemens does have a strong presence in the U.S. with manufacturing facilities in the U.S like Georgia and North Carolina, these locations mostly produce motors, drives, and power distribution equipment. There’s no indication that their core PLC hardware is made in the U.S., so Siemens would be considered a non-U.S. source when it comes to PLC automation equipment. Schneider Electric is a French company, and their PLCs such as the Modicon series are mainly produced in Europe and Asia. Schneider does operate several manufacturing facilities in the U.S., but the focus there tends to be on electrical distribution products like breakers and panels, rather than automation controllers. Based on the available information, their key PLC lines are not manufactured in the U.S., so Schneider also qualifies as a non-U.S. source for PLCs. OMRON is a Japanese company, and their PLC products such as the CP1, CJ2, and NX series are largely manufactured in Japan and Southeast Asia. OMRON does have operations in the U.S and manufactures some components like sensors and relays domestically. However, once more there’s no indication that their PLC units are produced in the U.S. Like the others, OMRON’s PLCs appear to be imported from outside the country. In summary, Siemens, Schneider Electric, and OMRON are all non-U.S.-based companies, and their PLC equipment is primarily manufactured outside of the United States. While all three have U.S. facilities that produce certain products, their core PLC systems are not among them which makes them suitable options for applications where U.S manufactured PLCs are to be avoided. |
What are some items to consider when evaluating a switch to a new HMI software platform? | There are many factors to be taken into consideration when evaluating a switch to a new HMI platform. Some can be technical in nature while others may be personal preferences. A few common items to take into consideration are provided here. 1. Architecture: What is the underlying software and technology the product is built on? Does the product utilize older technology or newer technology with more capabilities and features? 2. Maturity: How long has the project been around? Does it have a long-trusted track record or is it a relatively new product? 3. Install Base: What is the local installation base of the product? Is there large install base? Is there an installation base in the same industry? These can be contacted for their feedback on the product. What is the regional or global installation base of the product? 4. Support: What is the vendor’s support mechanism? Do they have local hours or are they based in another time zone? Does the vendor provide support services directly or is there a local distributor that also provides support services? Are there local third-party integrators that can also provide support services? Do you plan to support the installation in house or use external support? 5. Cost: What is the pricing model and how does it compare to other vendors? Is easily scalable? Are you paying for what you need or paying for a lot of other products, tools or add-ons that are not needed? Can it be purchased in a modular format or a defined, packaged format? 6. Maintenance: What is the official maintenance policy implemented by the vendor? Are regular patches and updates issued? What is the update process? How frequently are new versions released? 7. Security: How does the vendor address cybersecurity concerns? Have there been know cyber related vulnerabilities or incidents with the product in the past? Have these been adequately addressed by the vendor? 8. Functionality: Generally, all the major vendors have similar functional and features, so it may come down to the minor features and personal preferences that may set one product apart from others. |
Review of Conference Abstracts and Chairing of Papers
Every year, we will review and select abstracts for the Annual OWWA Conference. We will chair and co-chair the Automation session during the conference and will promote the session to industry colleagues.
MECP & Other Regulatory Authorities Liaison
Act as a liaison with the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks and other regulatory authorities as required, to promote the adoption and use of automation in the Ontario Municipal water systems.
Technical Discussions
During each meeting, the Automation Committee will spend 30 minutes on a round table discussion on automation. For example, our first round table discussion will be “Applying Municipal Standards to Vendor Package Equipment”. These discussions will form the basis for our annual seminar.
Publication of Articles
The Automation Committee will annually prepare an article related to automation for publication in the OWWA Pipeline.
Seminars
Every November the Automation Committee will present a one day seminar on automation.
Committee Members
| Members | Company |
|---|---|
| Nick Hallas | Eramosa Engineering |
| Matt Spitzig | York Region |
| Robert Chung | Region of Peel |
| Ryan Lacharity | Region of Waterloo |
| Trevor Marks | Halton Region |
| Hasan Arif | Halton Region |
| Sandy Moore | Lexsan |
| Andreas Musing | AECOM |
| Brian Sudic | CIMA+ |
| Courtney Offet - Chair | Town of Orangeville |
| Michael O'Meara | York Region |
| Peter McLeod | CIMA+ |
| Jason Little | GEI |
| Aileen Yeo | Scheider Electric |
| Michael McGee | AECOM |
| Blair Saunders | Town of East Gwillimbury |
| Zackary Sayevich | City of Toronto |
| Zoe Jeaurond | |
| Graham Nasby | PBX Engineering |