Telemetry System Upgrade

Cowra Shire Council is inviting submissions from suitably qualified and experienced parties for the telemetry system upgrade across Council's water and sewer network, including smart water quality monitoring pilot using M-node sensors.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION

Cowra Shire Council (CSC) Water Telemetry Upgrade project is a strategic initiative aimed at modernising Council’s water infrastructure. Stage 1 of the project, focused on replacing the legacy analog radio network with a digital system using 4RF Aprisa radios and Kingfisher RTUs. This stage established a robust communication backbone across key node sites including Bellevue Hill, Mt Crowther, and Mt McDonald, and integrated the system with SCADA.

Stage 2, this project, builds upon this foundation by replacing legacy RTUs with Brodersen RTU32M units, standardising site configurations, and expanding telemetry capabilities. The upgrade enhances peer-to-peer communication, improves SCADA control, and introduces smart water quality monitoring. Together, both stages aim to deliver a scalable, reliable, and future-proof telemetry system that supports efficient water management across the Cowra LGA.

Integration with Stage 1 Telemetry System

The Stage 2 upgrade is designed to build upon the successful infrastructure established during Stage 1.

This prior stage involved the installation of a digital radio network consisting of 4RF Aprisa radios, the integration of Kingfisher RTUs, and various enhancements to the SCADA system.

For seamless integration, it is imperative that the Stage 2 Brodersen RTU32M units are fully compatible with the existing 4RF Ethernet radio network installed in Stage 1. The communication protocols, particularly Modbus and DNP3, must be configured in alignment with the existing SCADA architecture.

Additionally, peer-to-peer communication established in Stage 1 should be further extended to include the new sites introduced in Stage 2.

The contractor is tasked with reviewing the IP address allocation and network topology defined in Section 2 of this document to ensure any new devices are incorporated without conflicts. SNMP monitoring parameters, including RSSI, SNR, and Tx/Rx statistics, must also be configured for all new radios in accordance with Stage 1 standards.

Smart Water Quality Monitoring Pilot Using M-Node Sensors

As part of the Stage 2 upgrade, Cowra Shire Council is piloting a Smart Water Quality Monitoring initiative using M-Node sensors. These advanced sensors are designed to measure key water quality parameters such as turbidity, pH, temperature, and chlorine levels in real time. The pilot aims to enhance visibility into water quality across critical sites and support proactive management of water resources.

The M-Node sensors are integrated with Brodersen RTUs and communicate via the existing 4RF Ethernet radio network. Data collected from the sensors is transmitted to the SCADA system, where it is visualised and analysed. The pilot also includes alarm configurations and event logging to ensure timely response to water quality anomalies.

This initiative represents a significant step toward smart water management and aligns with CSC's strategic goals of improving service delivery, ensuring public health, and leveraging technology for sustainable operations.

Project Objectives

The main objectives of the telemetry system upgrade are as follows:

• Replace legacy Kingfisher RTUs with Brodersen RTU32M units.

• Implement standardised site types and configurations.

• Enhance peer-to-peer communication and SCADA control.

• Integrate water quality monitoring capabilities.

• Provide comprehensive documentation and training for Council staff.

Scope of Work

The scope includes the supply, installation, configuration, and commissioning of RTUs and associated telemetry equipment across designated water sites. It also includes SCADA integration, peer communication setup, and water quality monitoring implementation.