Case Studies
Client Use Case
Harlingen Water Works System is responsible for providing clean water to approximately 27,000 people in Harlingen and Combes, Primera, and Palm Valley towns.
To deliver this service, HWWS has several automated unmanned process facilities, including water treatment plants, boosters, and water towers, many of which are located in remote parts of the city.
The Challenge - Critical Site Security and Response
Unmanned facilities create two distinct challenges. Site security, in particular, is critical, as intrusions and/or thefts not only create costs and inconvenience for the organization but can also result in significant delays in the water process, affecting service to customers.
This type of unmanned facility is particularly at risk from the growing trend of metal theft, which can have a devastating impact on the supply of water to local communities.
HWWS requires an immediate alert if there is any sign of intrusion on their sites, with a full visual verification of the intrusion to respond accordingly.
The second challenge is operational. Automated water treatment sites are equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostic telemetry systems that alert operators to even the slightest change in the process.
An alert often means that an operator will need to deploy to the remote facility to visually verify equipment or water levels, resulting in longer journey times for an operator at inconvenient times during the day or night.
The Solution - Mobile Video Surveillance
Harlingen Water Works Systems deployed several Pole Cameras across their automated facilities to provide complete site security. These security cameras have the ability to transmit live and recorded footage via LTE network to the operations team at any HWWS location from any device.
Members of the team can access the video from smartphones and tablets whilst out in the field, allowing them to review the water process without visiting the site in question.
The cameras also have video analytics capability that can detect unwanted intrusion and send an email and live video alerts to the HWWS Operations Centre, allowing them to verify security breaches and take immediate appropriate action.
The Quote
“Having WCCTV’s security cameras across our facilities meant all areas could be remotely viewed on our phones while not on-site, giving us the ability to view the water process or any issues that may occur.
The footage proved to be of an extremely high standard, making it easier to verify security breaches and save inconvenient site visits.”
Ready to find out how WCCTV's Mobile Surveillance Cameras can assist with site security? Get in touch today at 888 462-2506 or email sales@wcctv.com.
The True Cost of Copper Theft for Water and Waste Facilities
Copper theft is a growing threat for water and waste facilities across the U.S. It's impact includes costly repairs, service disruptions, and safety hazards. WCCTV explores the financial impact, real-world examples, and practical solutions to protect critical infrastructure from crime.
Top 5 Security Challenges Affecting Water Districts in 2025
Water Districts are a vital part of our critical infrastructure, providing essential services to communities. Increasingly, they are at risk of security challenges that disrupt operations. WCCTV explores these threats and how to safeguard against them.