SCADA-to-Text Conversion for AI Workflows
As water utilities adopt AI-driven workflows, a key challenge is making operational data easily searchable and accessible.
Large Language Models (LLMs) require structured text to generate fast, relevant insights.
But SCADA data - which captures time-series operational data - is not naturally suited for text-based AI models.
In a previous collaboration with WaterAble and Greater Western Water, we developed an algorithm that converts SCADA data into HTML text. This innovation improves accessibility for staff with a vision impairment, by enabling screen readers to deliver text-based operational insights (link to blog).
In addition to accessibility, converting SCADA data into text enables:
automated situational awareness via email and SMS, and
integration with AI-driven chatbots for decision support.
What are some practical applications?
Any SCADA insight that staff would typically extract manually can now be converted automatically into text.
Hydrant Extraction
"There have been 6 hydrant extraction events today in Subsystem 14, totaling 47 kL of water. This is the highest daily hydrant extraction recorded since July 1, 2018. Over the last month, there have been 70 extraction events totaling 429 kL."
Pipe Failure Event
"Subsystem 3 is experiencing abnormally high flows, starting at approximately 3:15am. For this time of year, current night flows are more than 10X the normal levels.
One flow sensor (FM56) and one pressure sensor (PT68) suggest an event has occurred, with excess water usage estimated at 520 kL. More water loss is expected from this event."
Peak Demand Events
"The highest consumption day in Subsystem 8 was Sunday 10 March 2024, at 20,917 kL. On this day, the Peak Hour began at 7:08pm and was 1,437 kL.
The highest consumption hour occurred on 11 March 2024 and was 1,514 kL and began at 7:05pm.
The highest consumption week began on January 25, 2024, totaling 101,788 kL. The average daily max temperature during the peak week event was 28 Deg C. The total rain recorded in the previous 30 days was 6.2mm."
Your trusted digital partner in water utility innovation
SCADA-to-Text conversion is only possible because of SensorClean’s data cleaning protocol. This ensures every insight is reliable and actionable - critical for water utility decision-making.
As the industry moves towards AI-powered analytics and smarter workflows, converting SCADA data into text unlocks new efficiencies.
Whether for automated alerts, AI-driven decision support, or real-time operational updates, SCADA-to-text is the next step in making water utility data more accessible, actionable, and insightful.
To learn more, book a consultation today.