Smart Solutions to Strengthen Our Sewer Infrastructure

With every passing day, many types of critical infrastructure throughout the United States are aging rapidly. Bridges and roadways are often top of mind because of their immediate impact on the flow of commerce and daily commuters. However, the underground systems you don't see every day are also aging and need attention. Our utility infrastructure, including sewer pipes and wastewater systems, is a perfect example.  

Many areas around the country, including major cities, rely on deteriorating sewer lines that were constructed nearly one hundred years ago or more. These aging sewers are close to (or beyond) the end of their useful life, requiring frequent, expensive repairs to prevent overflows, erosion, contamination, and other public safety hazards. And with an increase in heavy rainfall due to climate change, additional pressure is being put on stormwater systems and can encroach on the sanitary sewer system as well, posing even more threats to communities and the environment. 

Don't Wait Until It's Too Late 

Accurate budgeting and planning for repairs and/or replacements is key to maintaining wastewater systems. But this depends on fully understanding the current conditions of the entire sewer pipeline network. Digital video pipeline inspection providers use closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems to collect video for pipe segments. Operators code any defects found using the NASSCO (National Association of Sewer Service Companies) standard rating system that allows sewer workers to use a common language when classifying conditions.  

However, reviewing CCTV inspection video is a tedious and error-prone process, requiring watching hours and hours of sewer pipe video to check for defects and wear.  

Build Intelligence Into Sewer Assessments  

With the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), this process can become more accurate and much faster; a real game-changer for the industry. AI helps with:  

• Defect detection. Computer vision models can be trained to find structural and operational defects, such as cracks, fractures, root intrusions, and pipe breaks. 

• Code integration. Once a defect is detected, a NASSCO code can be assigned to it. 

• Quality control. Instead of requiring consultants or other water professionals to manually double-check the inspection data, AI can process video data quickly to ensure all defects were detected, increasing the accuracy of the initial evaluation with objective data analysis. 

• Predictive Monitoring. Machine learning models can analyze data from various sources, such as weather conditions, sewer operational status, defect detection and more, to predict future maintenance needs.  

• Training. AI's advanced analytics helps train new inspection operators and contractors who need to get up to speed quickly on NASSCO standards. 

With AI, delivering rehabilitation and repair recommendations is optimized, freeing up time and resources for higher priority tasks. 

Turn To BRYX For Streamlined Analysis 

Our BRYX Sewer Pipeline Defect Detection model is an AI-based solution for project managers and water engineers to expedite their processes and deliver faster results to their clients. Our model analyzes sewer pipeline imagery and automatically generates highly accurate annotated imagery and a summary report, streamlining the quality control process. Sign up for a free trial to see how it works.