Discussion and possible action to approve the purchase of automatic dialers in the amount of $22,490 from Square E Engineering of Laredo, Texas for remote monitoring of the elevated storage tanks at the Rio Bravo Water Treatment Plant, the Rio Bravo Distribution System, and the El Cenizo Distribution System, providing for real time data regarding water levels and water loss conditions. [Account #745-3001-8801-07 (Capital Outlay Water Utility)]
Issue: Since approximately 2009 equipment failure without repair has limited the operation's ability to view the levels of water at the storage facilities within our system. This requires physical monitoring limiting the operator's ability to make adjustment of water quantities.
Solution: Staff recommends to install cell phone web service monitoring of these tank levels to allow for real time review without the reinvestment of original equipment prone to lightening and electrical damage.
Result: Visual viewing of levels at the tanks on the Supervisory Control & Data Acquisition (SCADA) monitor for operators changing requirements.
Background:
Past equipment has been inoperative since approximately 2009 due to electrical damage and was never returned to service. This equipment will require monthly service but incorporates more reliable service without the condition of electrical damage.