Ahead of OzWater 2026, Paul Stute, product manager for remote telemetry units at Ovarro, explains how one Australian water utility modernised automation and control of its critical infrastructure, helping drive onsite efficiencies.
A major regional water utility in Australia, operating a geographically dispersed network of pumping stations, tanks and treatment assets, has undertaken a phased upgrade of its remote telemetry infrastructure to improve safety and operational efficiency.
Many of the utility’s existing remote telemetry units (RTUs) had been in service for more than two decades. While reliability remained high, ageing hardware, tightening cybersecurity regulation and growing pressure on operational teams, highlighted the need for modernisation. The utility required a low-risk upgrade approach that would minimise disruption to live assets and reduce onsite work for field staff.
Modular architecture
To meet these requirements, the utility partnered with Ovarro to modernise its telemetry estate using Kingfisher RTUs. Kingfisher’s modular architecture enabled legacy systems to be upgraded without full panel replacements or extensive rewiring.
By retaining existing field wiring and upgrading core Kingfisher components, most site upgrades were completed in under 30 minutes. This allowed essential services to remain operational throughout the programme, while significantly reducing commissioning time and health & safety risk for technicians.
Improved response times
Integrated with the utility’s SCADA platform, Kingfisher RTUs now enable engineers to remotely start and stop pumps, adjust setpoints and access diagnostics without attending site. This has reduced routine field visits, improved response times and supported safer working practices.
Kingfisher’s architecture also supports compliance and auditability – a critical advantage for utilities navigating workforce shortages and an increasingly complex regulatory landscape.
With built-in data logging, secure remote access and standardised templates, smaller or less specialised teams can streamline commissioning, monitor performance and demonstrate regulatory alignment with confidence. Telemetry is no longer just about hardware performance. It is about empowering organisations to operate safely and effectively.
- Ovarro will exhibit the company’s telemetry solutions at OzWater 2026, held in Brisbane, Australia, on 26–28 May 2026.
