Combined Sewer Overflow Smart Sewers - layout

Many wastewater utilities are using smart sewer technologies, such as real-time monitoring, modeling, data processing and analytics, and artificial intelligence/machine learning. These technologies increase the amount of useful data available and improve a utility’s ability to leverage analytics and make decisions. In turn, utilities can maximize infrastructure performance, maximize resources, comply with regulatory requirements, and meet public and environmental health goals.

Smart sewer technologies can also help show where climate change impacts are most noticeable and potentially damaging and help utilities prepare and become more resilient.

Developing Smart Sewers

There is no single approach to developing smart sewers. Utilities can integrate the technology that best fits their system type, utility size, and performance goals. For example, some utilities might prefer to start small, using technology that is compatible with existing skillsets and resources to target recurring system challenges or failures. Others, such as utilities that manage large, complex systems, may gain more from wide-scale technology implementation.

Another key consideration is return on investment, which can vary from utility to utility. Smart sewers and associated components are not necessarily off-the-shelf products. Design, installation, and implementation costs vary greatly depending on needs and application. Different types of hardware (e.g., sensors, controls) also need to be configured with existing system infrastructure, software systems, and databases to create smart sewers.

A wide variety of smart sewer technology is available, and much of it has been used in water and wastewater applications for years. Explore the case studies below to see how different utilities have implemented smart sewer technologies and saved millions of dollars.