The use of SCADA systems at water treatment plants and water distribution networks has been
increased considerably during the past decade. Recently our drinking water qualities have been
discussed intensively, thus, it has been concluded that it is necessary to get more accurate
information about how our water distribution networks really operate and control. It is clear that
some of the water quality problems can be solved by optimal operation of the distribution
systems.
In this study, some information about continuous monitoring of water quality and quantity of
distribution systems and potable water reservoirs of Istanbul City is given. Istanbul is one of the
world's most important cities in terms of history, culture, trade and tourism and its population has
reached over 12,000,000 and total daily water consumption is around 2,000,000 m3/day.
Control of the water distribution systems of this metropolitan city has been operated with a
SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) system which consists of seven subsystems
gathering information about flow rate, water quality parameters and pressure, and water levels in
reservoirs and dams. With the increasing awareness of microbial and chemical contaminants and
their potential public health impacts, continuous monitoring of water quality parameters
throughout the distribution system becomes critical. Thus, safety and reliability of distribution
networks are baseline components of management of water flow rates in the system. Since
2,000,000 m3/day water is serviced to Istanbul City, interruption of water service results in
critical problems of significant disruptions to fire protection, commercial establishments, and
industry. Therefore, the present SCADA system is utilized to increase reliability of the metropolitan
city water distribution systems to prevent short-term interruptions of service, and prevention and
management of specific accidents and emergencies. The purpose of this work was to examine the present SCADA system and its subunits and to
propose rehabilitation and upgrading framework for system renovation. Other components of a
water distribution system will also affect the overall system reliability but are not considered in
this analysis. Includes 8 references, tables, figues.