The Region of Waterloo faced the significant challenge of modernizing its aging SCADA and PLC systems across 157 diverse water and wastewater facilities. This post explores how Brock Solutions partnered with the Region to ensure a seamless, future-ready upgrade that enhances resilience, security, and efficiency without disrupting vital services.
The Challenge:
The Region of Waterloo, serving over 600,000 residents across three cities and surrounding townships, faced a critical need to modernize its aging SCADA and PLC infrastructure. With 157 water and wastewater facilities of varying size and complexity, the Region required a solution that would upgrade operations for long-term resilience, security, and efficiency without interrupting essential services.
Modernizing this critical infrastructure meant navigating complex logistical, operational, and technical challenges. The Region needed a trusted integration partner capable of handling everything from system design and panel manufacturing to implementation, while ensuring continuous water availability.
The Solution:
Brock Solutions was selected as the Region’s turnkey partner for this ambitious multi-year transformation. Leveraging decades of experience in the water and wastewater sector, Brock developed a phased, standardized approach to modernization.
Using Rockwell Automation technology, Brock designed consistent automation solutions for each facility type:
- CompactLogix® controllers for smaller, remote sites.
- Redundant ControlLogix® systems for large, complex facilities.
- Stratix® switches, distributed I/O, and ring topologies for robust communication.
To minimize risk, Brock implemented digital twin simulations and Factory Acceptance Testing (FATs), allowing operators to test and validate systems before deployment. Temporary systems ensured uninterrupted service during cutovers. Key to the project’s success was Brock’s commitment to collaboration. Weekly meetings, on-site workshops, and open communication ensured that operators, technicians, and IT professionals had input at every step.
The Results:
Now in its final phase, the Region of Waterloo’s five-year upgrade is delivering tangible benefits:
- Standardized systems enable faster diagnostics and consistent operator experience across sites.
- Improved monitoring of water usage, pressure, and emergency response.
- Stronger cybersecurity safeguards critical infrastructure.
- Reduced downtime and improved resilience across the network.
By combining technical expertise with a people-first approach, Brock Solutions helped the Region of Waterloo modernize without disruption and build a platform for long-term success.
“That’s one of the greatest successes of this project. For the standard citizen of the Region of Waterloo, they wouldn’t know this project even happened; every day they turn on their taps and water comes out without any kind of disruption.”
– Andrew Calder, Senior Project Engineer at the Region of Waterloo
To learn more about Brock Solutions experience in the Water & Wastewater industry visit Water & Wastewater or contact us today.
Watch the full video case study below!
About Brock Solutions
Brock Solutions is a global industrial automation, engineering software, and professional services company with industry expertise in Manufacturing, Transportation, and Utilities. Our solutions empower customers to access data, transform operations, and drive performance and efficiency, while reducing costs and risk.