Mount Pleasant Waterworks
Maximizing security at critical sites in remote locations
About the customer
Mount Pleasant Waterworks is a water and wastewater utility serving a population of approximately 90,000 people in South Carolina, USA. They provide reliable water and wastewater services of exceptional quality and value, while protecting public health and the environment.
About the project
Following a risk and resiliency assessment conducted by the utility as part of the AWIA (American Water Infrastructure Act), Mount Pleasant Waterworks was in search of a solution to enhance security, control access, and streamline key management, particularly at critical sites in remote locations with lower foot traffic. They evaluated numerous solutions available in the market, including a wired infrastructure system. However they lacked innovation and carried with them the typical ‘cons’, for example, the need for batteries and physical keys, and a lack of real-time visibility. Mount Pleasant Waterworks was then introduced to iLOQ’s smart-locking solution.
The solution
As part of the first phase of the project, Mount Pleasant Waterworks initially implemented iLOQ locks to secure their water supply and treatment sites. This included 64 Grade 3 padlocks (where credentials are required for both opening and closing), cylindrical locksets (for storeroom functions), and rim and mortise cylinders. Instead of physical keys, operators use either phone keys or key fobs. Access rights can be programmed, updated and cancelled remotely and in real time.
In the second phase, they plan to extend the use of iLOQ solutions to secure their wastewater plants, further improving security across their infrastructure. This phased approach allows them to gradually upgrade the mechanical locks they were using to a smart lock solution that is completely battery-free and maintenance-free.
How day-to-day life at Mount Pleasant Waterworks has improved
Cost-effective solution
iLOQ’s solution was implemented in a very brief timeframe and for a fraction of the cost and with a minimal level of effort compared to a wired solution.
Real-time visibility
Mount Pleasant Waterworks now has the real-time visibility and audit trails they required.
Enhanced security
Enhanced security is now provided for doors and also cabinets and padlocks.
Ease of use
iLOQ’s solution is easy for operators to use. And, with no physical keys, access management is faster and simpler.
“Having been in the water utility business for 33 years, my first thought was that this product will revolutionize smart locking and the way we think of access control. The risk was low, the reward high and, at the end of the day, I feel like we achieved the objective of finding the best fit to improve access control for our organization. Looking forward to expanding it into other areas.”
Would you need a similar locking solution?
Vélo-Transit
Secure and sustainable bicycle storage solution
Everest Infrastructure Partners