Much of the work that keeps SJRA’s water and wastewater systems operating safely and efficiently happens behind the scenes, and technology plays a critical role.

One of the most important pieces is Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition, or SCADA.  As SJRA’s SCADA Manager, Randy oversees a highly skilled technical team responsible for the systems and infrastructure that support automation across SJRA’s operations.  That includes Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs), and Operational Technology (OT) infrastructure.  Randy and his team also continually evaluate ways to strengthen cybersecurity, improve efficiency and ensure the reliability of SJRA’s control systems.

On a typical day, Randy works closely with his team and operations staff across SJRA’s divisions to address needs, monitor processes and applications, and respond to alarms or issues that require attention.  He also focuses on developing his team and finding opportunities to improve the systems they support.

Technology That Supports Water Operations

SJRA is responsible for treating and delivering drinking water, treating wastewater, and providing raw water to customers.  SCADA is an important part of making those operations possible.  The system helps automate processes, monitor conditions and alert operators when something needs attention, such as changing water levels, high pressures or other conditions that could affect operations.  By providing information in real time, SCADA helps operators respond more quickly when human intervention is needed.

While most customers may never see the technology behind these systems, its role is significant.  SCADA helps SJRA operate efficiently and reliably so the water and wastewater services our customers depend on can continue to be provided safely and consistently.

Sharing Knowledge Across the Water Industry

Randy’s work extends beyond SJRA.  He is a member of the Texas American Water Works Association (TAWWA) Resiliency and Cybersecurity Committee and regularly shares his expertise with others in the water and wastewater industry through presentations at conferences and professional organizations.

In 2022, Randy and several other utilities helped establish a SCADA User Group that has grown to include approximately 60 organizations across Texas.  The group provides an opportunity for professionals working with operational technology and process control systems to share knowledge, discuss challenges and exchange best practices, with a particular focus on cybersecurity and process control.

That collaboration is especially important as water and wastewater utilities continue to rely more heavily on technology and automation.

The People Behind the Technology

Ultimately, technology is only as effective as the people who operate, maintain, and continually improve it.  Randy considers SJRA’s people one of the best parts of working for the organization.  He appreciates that SJRA invests in its employees, supports their professional growth and encourages them to be leaders in the water industry.

For Randy and the SCADA team, that commitment is more than an investment in technology.  It is an investment in SJRA’s ability to fulfill its mission of preserving and protecting the best water in Texas.  Because providing the best water in Texas takes the best people in Texas working behind the scenes to make it happen.