PLC–SCADA–Integrated Electrical Automation Frameworks for Process Optimization in Water and Wastewater Treatment Facilities

This quantitative study examined the operational impact of PLC–SCADA–integrated electrical automation frameworks on process optimization in water and wastewater treatment facilities using high-frequency operational data and quasi-experimental evaluation methods. A longitudinal interrupted time series design was applied to 720 daily observations, equally divided between pre-integration and post-integration periods, with statistical adjustment for influent flow, temperature, operating regime, and major equipment availability. The findings showed consistent and statistically significant improvements across efficiency, stability, workload, and event-based performance indicators. Energy intensity exhibited an immediate post-integration level reduction of 0.041 kWh/m³ (95% CI −0.056 to −0.026, p < .001) and an additional post-integration trend improvement of 0.00018 kWh/m³ per day (p = .002), indicating both immediate and sustained efficiency gains. Process stability improved through a reduction in composite stability deviation of 0.043 units (p < .001) and a 22% decrease in excursion event rates (IRR = 0.78, 95% CI 0.70–0.87). Supervisory workload outcomes improved markedly, with