Introduction
North Carolina's water infrastructure is at a crossroads. The state's expanding municipalities, intensive agricultural water use, and aging treatment systems are creating urgent demands for modern automation solutions. With $472 million announced in February 2026 for 145 water and wastewater projects across 66 counties, NC utilities are under pressure to modernize fast.
Water treatment automation—powered by PLCs, SCADA systems, and real-time process control—offers a practical path forward. These technologies help NC facilities reduce chemical costs by up to 50%, improve regulatory compliance, and minimize operator workload at a time when workforce shortages are intensifying.
According to the EPA, North Carolina received $409.4 million in federal funding specifically to improve drinking water utility resilience against natural disasters. Here are five automation companies helping NC utilities put that investment to work.
TLDR
- Water treatment automation controls chemical dosing, filtration, and flow management using PLC and SCADA systems
- NC utilities face variable source water quality, aging infrastructure, and tightening regulatory compliance—all pushing investment in automation
- Each company was evaluated on NC project experience, technical depth, certifications, and service breadth
- The five profiled companies include FORTECH Inc., Inframark, Lashley Cohen and Associates, Marmac Water, and Carollo Engineers
- Sector-specific expertise and long-term scalability should outweigh upfront cost in any vendor decision
Overview of Water Treatment Automation in North Carolina
Water treatment automation uses control systems to manage and optimize processes with minimal manual intervention. The core technologies include:
- PLCs (programmable logic controllers) — execute automated sequencing and process logic
- HMIs (human-machine interfaces) — give operators real-time visibility and manual override capability
- SCADA systems — aggregate data across an entire facility for centralized monitoring and reporting
Together, these systems monitor sensor data in real time, adjusting chemical feed rates, valve positions, and equipment operation to hold treatment performance within spec.
North Carolina's water landscape makes that responsiveness critical. The state operates approximately 1,980 community water systems serving around 9.4 million people — roughly 97% of the service population.
NC utilities draw from a mix of surface water and groundwater sources. Source water quality can shift dramatically during rain events, and those swings demand control systems that react in real time without waiting on an operator to intervene.
Early adopters like Salisbury-Rowan Utilities have demonstrated the potential of analyzer-driven control. Their automated chemical dosing project achieved measurable improvements in filter performance and chemical efficiency, setting a benchmark for other NC facilities considering similar upgrades. The five companies profiled below represent the range of approaches now available to NC utilities — from regional systems integrators with deep local project history to national O&M firms with broad infrastructure reach.
Top 5 Water Treatment Automation Companies in North Carolina
These five companies were selected based on demonstrated presence in NC water treatment projects, technical automation capabilities, certifications, and client track record.
FORTECH, Inc.
FORTECH is a Charlotte-based controls integration and engineering firm with direct experience deploying PLC and HMI systems at North Carolina water treatment facilities, including the notable Salisbury-Rowan Utilities project. Their team specializes in municipal water and wastewater automation, bringing local expertise and engineering credentials to every engagement.
FORTECH has proven ability to convert specialized chemical dosing logic—such as Marmac Water's patented LowDose™ system—into fully operational PLC-driven automated control systems. At Salisbury-Rowan Utilities, this integration extended filter run times from 50 to over 150 hours while reducing chemical consumption.
Company president Jon Forrest holds a North Carolina Professional Engineer license, and the firm maintains a state electrical contractor license (U.26382), ensuring all technical work meets regulatory standards.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Key Automation Services | PLC/HMI integration, feedforward and feedback loop control, analyzer-driven chemical dosing automation, process controls for water treatment, SCADA system design and telemetry |
| Notable NC Projects | Salisbury-Rowan Utilities water treatment plant automation; City of Concord Hillgrove Water Treatment Plant improvements (control system integration) |
| Certifications / Credentials | NC Professional Engineer (PE) license, NC electrical contractor license (U.26382), registered engineering firm |
Inframark
Inframark is a national water and wastewater operations, maintenance, and automation intelligence company with documented presence in North Carolina, including full operations at the Yanceyville water treatment plant. With over 550 systems operated across 30 states and approximately 3,300 employees, Inframark brings substantial resources and operational scale to NC utilities.
Their integrated model combines O&M with automation and intelligence services — utilities can outsource both technical and operational functions under a single contract rather than managing multiple vendors. Their Automation & Intelligence group includes over 300 professionals dedicated to this work.
The July 2025 acquisition of Systems East, Inc. (a Virginia-based integrator with NC electrical licenses) further expanded their SCADA and control panel manufacturing capabilities, adding regional depth to their national footprint.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Key Automation Services | SCADA design and implementation, remote monitoring, process optimization, predictive maintenance tools, custom control panel manufacturing, O&M services integrated with automation |
| Notable NC Projects | Yanceyville water treatment plant operations (1.0 MGD surface water plant) and wastewater system (0.45 MGD activated sludge plant) since January 2018 |
| Certifications / Credentials | Electrical contractor licenses in multiple states including NC (through Systems East acquisition), sustainability program, national operations credentials |
Lashley Cohen and Associates
Founded in 1988 and headquartered in Lawrenceville, Georgia, Lashley Cohen and Associates is an ISO-9001 certified industrial automation and controls integration firm with water and wastewater listed among their core target sectors. With over 35 years of experience and 5,000+ completed projects across diverse industries, they bring proven project management methodologies and technical depth to utility automation challenges.
Three credentials set Lashley Cohen apart for water utility work: ISO-9001 certified project management, a PE Engineer on staff, and Rockwell Systems Bronze Partner status. Together, these support reliable, standards-driven delivery from initial design through commissioning.
Their experience spans both new installations and retrofit projects — including legacy PLC migrations and SCADA upgrades for aging control systems — and their proactive engineering approach aligns controls design with clients' long-term operational goals.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Key Automation Services | Controls integration, PLC/HMI programming, SCADA implementation, real-time data exchange systems, engineering services for water and wastewater treatment processes, cybersecurity for OT environments |
| Certifications / Credentials | ISO-9001 certified, Rockwell Systems Bronze Partner, Certified PE Engineer on staff; over 35 years in industrial automation across 2,000+ clients |
| Why It Stands Out for Water Utilities | Data-driven, centralized control systems that enhance uptime and operational efficiency; scalable solutions for projects of any size; comprehensive experience including their largest project in company history—a complete control system for a new water treatment facility |
Marmac Water
Marmac Water is a water treatment process engineering firm known for developing patented chemical dosing optimization technology, with demonstrated deployment in North Carolina through the Salisbury-Rowan Utilities partnership with FORTECH. Rather than serving as a general SCADA integrator, Marmac specializes in solving specific chemical dosing inefficiencies through advanced process control.
Their LowDose™ coagulant dosing optimization system automates chemical dosing based on real-time zeta potential, pH, and turbidity data. At the Salisbury-Rowan facility, this system achieved a 50% reduction in chemical consumption while extending filter run times from 50 to over 150 hours. The technology is protected by U.S. Patent 11,505,478 and designed as a green technology — with documented carbon footprint reduction and rapid ROI — making it particularly relevant for NC utilities pursuing sustainable operations.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Key Automation Services | Automated chemical dosing control, coagulant optimization software, zeta potential analyzer integration, PLC-based process logic for drinking water treatment |
| Notable NC Projects | Salisbury-Rowan Utilities water treatment plant—automated coagulant dosing system resulting in extended filter run times and significant chemical savings |
| Sustainability Positioning | LowDose™ designed as a green technology with carbon footprint reduction benefits and rapid ROI; reduces chemical waste and energy consumption in treatment processes |
Carollo Engineers
Carollo Engineers is an environmental engineering firm dedicated exclusively to water, bringing design and master planning expertise to North Carolina utilities. Their presence in the state includes the Cape Fear Public Utility Authority's Northern Regional Pump Stations and Force Mains project in Wilmington, where they lead planning, design, and implementation.
Carollo's defining strength is SCADA master planning — treating automation as a long-term strategic asset rather than a series of ad-hoc fixes. Their electrical, instrumentation, and control (I&C) services integrate automation design with civil and process engineering from day one, which matters most on large-scale capital improvement projects.
For utilities managing distributed assets or planning system-wide upgrades, this approach ensures automation infrastructure can scale and adapt over a 5-10 year horizon.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Key Automation Services | SCADA master planning, PLC/HMI system design, electrical and instrumentation engineering, end-to-end I&C services integrated with process engineering |
| Notable NC Projects | Cape Fear Public Utility Authority (CFPUA) Northern Regional Pump Stations and Force Mains project in Wilmington, NC |
| Certifications / Credentials | Dedicated water/wastewater engineering firm with integrated process and automation expertise; emphasis on long-term strategic planning for distributed utility assets |
How We Chose the Best Water Treatment Automation Companies
Companies were assessed based on documented NC project experience, technical depth of automation capabilities (not just general engineering services), and the presence of verifiable credentials. A common mistake buyers make is selecting vendors based solely on company size or brand recognition rather than sector-specific expertise and regional project history. The global SCADA market reached $11.96 billion in 2024, but not all automation firms understand the unique demands of municipal water treatment.
Core evaluation factors included:
- Verified NC water treatment project experience with specific facility names and outcomes
- Control system capabilities spanning PLC/SCADA/HMI platforms and analyzer integration
- Relevant certifications such as ISO-9001, PE licensure, and OEM partnerships (Rockwell, Siemens)
- Client outcomes including efficiency gains, cost reductions, and compliance improvements
- Capacity to support both new installations and upgrades to existing systems
Beyond initial credentials, ongoing support matters just as much. The companies below were evaluated on remote monitoring availability, response times during plant upsets, and their track record scaling alongside facilities as infrastructure needs evolve.
Conclusion
North Carolina water utilities have access to capable automation partners—from specialized process automation firms like Marmac Water to full-service O&M providers like Inframark, and from local integrators like FORTECH to master planning specialists like Carollo Engineers. The right choice depends on your facility's current system stage, budget constraints, and long-term operational goals.
That said, upfront cost rarely tells the full story. Before selecting a partner, evaluate:
- Whether the firm can scale with your facility as treatment demands grow
- How they integrate with your existing SCADA infrastructure—and whether they avoid proprietary lock-in
- The quality of their support during plant upsets or regulatory events
These factors often matter more than initial project pricing.
For facilities that need a controls integration partner with verified credentials, Lashley, Cohen and Associates brings over 35 years of industrial automation experience, ISO-9001 certified project management, and PE engineering expertise—including water and wastewater control systems.
Reach out at websales@lashleycohen.com or call (770) 962-0878 to discuss your facility's automation needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is water treatment automation and how does it work?
Water treatment automation uses PLCs, SCADA systems, and real-time sensors to control processes like chemical dosing, filtration, and pumping. These systems continuously monitor water quality parameters and automatically adjust equipment operation, reducing manual intervention and improving process consistency across varying source water conditions.
What services do water treatment automation companies typically offer in North Carolina?
Common services include PLC/HMI integration, SCADA system design, remote monitoring, chemical dosing optimization, and controls upgrades for existing infrastructure. Most firms also cover cybersecurity assessments, analyzer integration, and ongoing OT support.
How do I choose the right water treatment automation partner?
Prioritize verified experience in water and wastewater specifically, not just general industrial automation. Look for PE licensure, ISO-9001 certification, and OEM partnerships. Request references with measurable outcomes—chemical savings, filter improvements, compliance results—rather than generic credentials.
What is SCADA and why is it important for water treatment facilities?
SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) is a software-hardware system providing operators with centralized, real-time visibility and control over distributed treatment processes. Operators rely on it for compliance monitoring, fast response to system upsets, and centralized management of remote sites.
How much does water treatment automation typically cost?
Costs vary widely based on system complexity, facility size, and scope (new installation vs. retrofit). For example, control system integration allowances for NC projects have ranged from $130,000 to significantly higher for comprehensive installations. Request project-specific assessments from certified integration firms rather than relying on general estimates.
What certifications should a water treatment automation company have?
Look for ISO-9001 certification, licensed PE engineers, and OEM partnerships with manufacturers like Rockwell or Siemens — these confirm hands-on product expertise. For NC projects, verify the firm holds state electrical contractor licenses and engineering firm registration.
