SCADA Solutions Compared: Illinois Section AWWA vs Johnson & Anderson
If you’re in the water utility, municipal engineering, or infrastructure planning sector, choosing the right SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) solution is critical. Today, we’re diving deep into two well-known entities: Illinois Section AWWA and Johnson & Anderson. By comparing their SCADA services, experience, pros, and cons, we aim to help decision-makers across the Midwest and beyond make informed choices for their next water or wastewater automation project.
Let’s begin with a bit of context about both companies and then explore their SCADA approaches in detail.
Company Overview
Illinois Section AWWA (ISAWWA), based in Illinois, is not a private engineering firm but a respected professional association that promotes clean, safe water across the state. Serving as the Illinois chapter of the American Water Works Association (AWWA), ISAWWA facilitates training, offers certifications, and hosts industry events. Although not a direct vendor of SCADA solutions, ISAWWA plays a crucial role in shaping SCADA knowledge, awareness, and standards within the industry. Their events often feature vendors, integrators, and engineers showcasing their products and technology, including water SCADA systems.
On the other hand, Johnson & Anderson, a Michigan-based engineering consulting firm (recently part of Fleis & VandenBrink Engineering), offers integrated civil engineering solutions, including planning, permitting, design, and construction management. One of their key competencies is helping municipalities implement efficient SCADA systems for water/wastewater facilities. Their practical, hands-on service model makes them particularly attractive for municipalities looking for small to mid-sized infrastructure support.
What is SCADA and Why Does It Matter?
Before we go deeper, let’s quickly revisit what SCADA is. SCADA systems are used to monitor and control infrastructure processes, particularly in utilities like water purification, sewage treatment, and stormwater systems. A good SCADA system enhances visibility, reduces manual tasks, lowers downtime, and enables faster decision-making based on real-time data.
In the context of municipal water and wastewater treatment, SCADA ensures that:
- Water levels and pressure stay within safe limits
- Pumps run efficiently and respond to system demand
- Alarms are triggered automatically in case of failures
- Treatment facilities operate within environmental regulations
So, getting your SCADA setup right is a major deal.
Illinois Section AWWA: An Influencer in SCADA Education
Though not an engineering firm, ISAWWA’s reach and influence in SCADA are substantial. Here’s how:
- Training & Webinars: ISAWWA frequently hosts training sessions and webinars on topics such as cybersecurity for SCADA, SCADA lifecycle planning, and hardware updates.
- Vendor Showcases: Every winter and summer, ISAWWA’s WaterCon event attracts vendors like Rockwell Automation, Trihedral (VT SCADA), and Phoenix Contact — all showcasing their SCADA offerings.
- Certifications: ISAWWA provides access to Water Operator and SCADA-focused certifications aligned with state regulatory requirements.
- Networking: Connects cities and engineers to vendors and SCADA integrators, creating a collaborative ecosystem.
While ISAWWA doesn’t build SCADA platforms, their training and educational influence cannot be underestimated. If your utility team is just getting started with automation or wants to upgrade an aging SCADA system, ISAWWA offers resources and exposure that helps build a strong knowledge base first.
Pros of Illinois Section AWWA:
- Broad educational access for municipal operators
- Strong emphasis on cybersecurity (increasingly critical for SCADA systems)
- Constant updates on new vendors and technologies
- Regional relevance within Illinois and parts of the Midwest
Cons of Illinois Section AWWA:
- Does not execute actual engineering design or installation
- No proprietary SCADA solution or integration teams
- Indirect future-proofing since technologies showcased vary by vendor
Johnson & Anderson: Building SCADA with Engineering Know-How
Johnson & Anderson, recently integrated into Fleis & VandenBrink, takes a hands-on approach. Their team helps cities, villages, and counties implement SCADA systems from end to end. Real work. Real tools. Real data.
They focus primarily on:
- Water Treatment and Distribution
- Wastewater Collection and Pumping Systems
- Stormwater Systems with SCADA flood control checks
Johnson & Anderson works closely with clients to evaluate the facility’s needs, propose a customized SCADA plan, acquire the right control hardware, and manage the electrical/IT integration with local operators. This means less guesswork for municipalities compared to working with a separate vendor and integrator.
Furthermore, the company understands operator pain points — and so their solutions often include intuitive operator interfaces (HMI) and remote-monitoring dashboards. With robust programming and frequent on-site commissioning, they reduce startup frustrations.
Pros of Johnson & Anderson:
- Provides full-service SCADA implementation: assessment, design, install
- Tailored solutions for small to mid-size municipalities
- Strong understanding of DNR, EPA, and DEQ compliance issues
- Reliable post-installation support for clients
Cons of Johnson & Anderson:
- Primarily regional focus (Midwest, especially Michigan)
- Limited exposure to next-gen SCADA tech not yet adopted by municipalities
- Not a vertical SCADA developer – they integrate existing platforms
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Feature | Illinois Section AWWA | Johnson & Anderson |
|---|---|---|
| Core Function | Training, advocacy, vendor showcases | Engineering design, SCADA implementation |
| Geographic Focus | Statewide (Illinois) | Midwest (primarily Michigan) |
| Offers Proprietary SCADA? | No | No (integrates mainstream platforms like Rockwell, Siemens) |
| Technical Expertise | Moderate (broad-based education) | High (engineering consultants on staff) |
| Custom Engineering | No services offered | Full turnkey project delivery |
Real-World Use Case: Midwest Municipal SCADA Update
Last year, a mid-sized city in Illinois was preparing to overhaul its manual water control system. Their operations team contacted vendors listed through ISAWWA’s WaterCon expo and attended related training. At the same time, they hired Johnson & Anderson to assist with system specifications and project management. The collaboration paired ISAWWA’s network with Johnson’s technical execution team — a hybrid success story illustrating the value of both entities.
The result? Within 11 months, the city transitioned to a reliable, remotely accessible SCADA configuration with real-time alarms, adaptive control for pumps, and compliance data feeds that reduced EPA audit fatigue significantly.
Which One Should You Choose?
If you’re looking to increase awareness, train staff, or identify the right vendors for your SCADA program, consider engaging with Illinois Section AWWA. Their industry connections, updated knowledge base, and events offer an excellent starting point — especially if your utility or municipality isn’t quite ready to jump into full SCADA deployment yet.
But if your community is ready to install, upgrade, or troubleshoot an existing SCADA system with direct engineering assistance, Johnson & Anderson makes for a logical partner. Their open-architecture integrations and focus on ease of operation make them a go-to for tailored automation solutions.
Final Thoughts
Both ISAWWA and Johnson & Anderson play pivotal — but different — roles in advancing SCADA literacy and deployment. One educates and empowers. The other designs and delivers.
Depending on where your organization sits in its lifecycle — learning, planning, or execution — the ideal partner may change. Sometimes the best answer is: work with both.
Explore more through these resources:
- Illinois Section AWWA Website
- Johnson & Anderson via Fleis & VandenBrink
- US EPA Water Data and SCADA Guidelines
Still have questions on SCADA deployment? Drop them in the comments below or connect with your state’s AWWA chapter for localized guidance. Here’s to smarter infrastructure and more connected cities!
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