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"Smart Sewers Forecast Rain to Prevent Toxic Overflows in Northeast England"
24 Aug
Summary
- Northumbrian Water trials "smart" sewers to forecast and divert wastewater during heavy rainfall
- System uses AI, weather forecasting, and 750 sensors to manage sewer capacity and prevent overflows
- Estimated 80% reduction in storm overflows could be achieved with the new technology
In a groundbreaking trial, Northumbrian Water has implemented a "smart" sewer system in northeast England that leverages artificial intelligence (AI) and weather forecasting to predict and prevent sewage overflows during heavy rainfall. The new £20 million system, which went live in the past few months, utilizes a network of 750 in-pipe sensors, AI analytics, and real-time data from the Met Office to constantly monitor the sewer network's capacity.
When the system's "digital twin" model forecasts that sewer networks are likely to reach capacity and spill, it automatically diverts wastewater to emptier parts of the system, storing it in holding tanks usually used to prevent flooding. This innovative approach aims to significantly reduce the number of toxic overflows that currently pollute rivers and coastal areas when water companies release untreated rainwater and wastewater to prevent sewage from flooding homes and businesses.
Northumbrian Water estimates that the smart sewer system could prevent as many as 80% of storm overflows, a major step forward in the industry's efforts to address the growing environmental and public health concerns around sewage pollution. The technology, which was first deployed in South Bend, Indiana, has already demonstrated an 80% reduction in spills over a 10-year period.
As the UK water sector continues to face scrutiny over its handling of sewage discharges, this pioneering trial in northeast England could set a new global standard for using smart sewer technology to protect the country's waterways.
