For decades, deteriorating sewer infrastructure has been overwhelmed by storm events and has yet to be systematically improved. Hurricane Helene, which struck the southeastern US in September 2024, damaged or destroyed multiple sewage and water treatment systems in North Carolina, leading to widespread boil water notices and conservation orders that lasted for weeks. Smart sewer technology– incorporating sensors, predictive analytics, automated controls, and remote monitoring–has the power to transform the state of our sewer infrastructure by enhancing engineering efficiency and wastewater sustainability goals while promoting better decision-making. Smart sewers will one day become the standard for water infrastructure. In the meantime, there are AI tools that provide time and cost-saving benefits regardless of a water system's current smart connectivity.
A Costly Crisis
Sewer pipes in poor condition can cause a variety of issues, including:
Contamination & Disease. Keeping sewer systems in good condition protects the public's health, the environment, and the system's integrity. A well-maintained sewer system allows wastewater to be effectively removed and treated to prevent drinking water contamination and reduce the risk of waterborne diseases.
Pollution. Failing sewer infrastructure can lead to untreated sewage polluting natural bodies of water, potentially damaging ecosystems and aquatic species. In addition, stormwater that infiltrates aging sewer lines during periods of heavy rainfall can overwhelm treatment plants and cause raw sewage discharge.
Structural Failure. Maintenance neglect may cause premature system failure. Small cracks and/or blockages can escalate quickly to become the source of sinkholes or structural collapses, requiring expensive emergency repairs. Proactive maintenance extends the lifespan of sewer systems, reduces operational costs, and ensures reliable wastewater management.
Making Waves in Water Engineering
By implementing smart practices, water system owners can get ahead of many problems that have historically plagued our infrastructure. These include a lack of direct visibility into the whole system and difficulty prioritizing competing, seemingly urgent needs against a limited budget. Here are a few ways that smart technology can help:
Smart Water Systems for Water Distribution. AI-powered systems optimize water distribution and quality management using data analytics and IoT technology to monitor and manage water usage. They detect leaks, monitor pressure, and adjust supply in real time. Utilities that incorporate AI algorithms into their workflow can minimize energy consumption; for example, acoustic sensors can detect pipe leaks by listening for unusual water flow sounds.
Predictive Water Management. Predictive analytics can be performed by processing historical and real-time data to anticipate demand fluctuations, extreme weather events, and infrastructure failures. Machine learning models can forecast floods, droughts, and contamination risks, enabling water authorities to better prepare resources for these incidents. In the face of increasing climate change, a predictive approach is one way to reinforce systems to face potentially devastating situations.
Real-Time Data Analytics for Decision Makers. IoT sensor data, remote monitoring systems, and satellite imagery allow AI to analyze water quality, usage patterns, and cohesive system performance. Advanced analytics allow utilities to make informed decisions quickly in response to pipeline failures and inefficiencies at water treatment plants. With the ability to access, gather, and analyze data, infrastructure owners can more efficiently manage limited manpower and funding resources.
Overflow Prevention. With a network of sensors and smart valves in place, water levels can be continuously measured. If wastewater starts to overstress a sewer trunk line, wastewater can be redirected to a line with more capacity.
Artificial intelligence can also be applied to engineering services for wastewater clients. BRYX offers several machine learning models, designed specifically for the water industry. The newest model to be introduced is a Smart Sewer Repair model that automatically analyzes standard PACP databases and generates recommendations along with cost estimates for common repairs, including pipe replacement, manhole to manhole, light cleaning, root treatment, sectional liners, test and seal, and more. The Smart Sewer Repair model is currently available in a free beta version. Simply run your data through the model and let it show you how much more efficiently teams can work to build sewer system resilience.