This paper addresses the need for and approach taken for the integration of networked personal computers with SCADA systems. Creative uses of personal computers in on-line water operations are addressed from an industry-wide perspective based on a number of on-going process control and SCADA projects. The author first identifies information processing needs in various utilities, from resource scheduling to predictive models. A detailed discussion of designing and building integrated systems with PCs encompasses non real-time systems, real-time systems, and interconnecting the information systems and sizing the network.