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Virginia Administrative Code
Title 12. Health
Agency 5. Department of Health
Chapter 590. Waterworks Regulations
12/22/2024

12VAC5-590-725. Automated monitoring and control systems.

The design of computers, including supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems if used to monitor and control water treatment and distribution system facilities, shall meet the following general requirements:

1. Data security.

a. Automated systems used to display and record data or control functions that are connected to the internet shall be secure.

b. Backup power supply shall be provided to allow orderly shutdown of the computer system and prevent corruption of data. The protection shall also power associated communications equipment.

c. Adequate hardware shall be in place to allow a high degree of SCADA and computer system reliability and data security.

d. Adequate hardware and associated facilities shall be provided for data archiving.

2. Equipment protection. SCADA and computer systems shall have adequate protection from voltage surges and spikes on the power supply, external data links, and environmental conditions.

3. Data displaying and recording.

a. SCADA and computer systems used to meet the continuous recording requirements of this chapter shall record an observation on a minimum frequency of once per 15 minutes, unless a greater recording frequency is required.

b. SCADA and computer systems used to meet the indicating and recording requirements of this chapter shall provide displays that show a minimum 24-hour trend of results for each parameter. The display panel shall be located in an area where it can be routinely viewed by the waterworks operators.

c. SCADA and computer systems used to meet the indicating and recording requirements of this chapter shall monitor the values and provide alerts for the operator by visual display and audible alarms. Alarm conditions shall be recorded into an alarm log.

4. Waterworks pumps, chemical feeders, and other essential electrical equipment controlled through a SCADA or an automated control system shall have the capability for independent manual operation. Where a high degree of reliability is required, a backup control system shall be provided.

Statutory Authority

§§ 32.1-12 and 32.1-170 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 37, Issue 20, eff. June 23, 2021.

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