Oliver Grievson, Associate Director at AtkinsRéalis and Royal Academy of Engineering Visiting Professor at the University of Exeter, cuts to the chase: “Do we have what we can call a ‘smart’ wastewater network?” The answer, it seems, is a resounding “not quite yet.” Grievson, who has been championing the cause of smart wastewater networks for over a decade, acknowledges that while significant strides have been made, the industry is still navigating the path towards true smart network functionality.
The wastewater network today is a far cry from the “Minority Report” style vision Grievson once imagined. However, the industry has made notable progress. There are now approximately 14,500 Event Duration Monitors on storm overflows and over 100,000 sewer level monitors, with plans to add 6,000 emergency overflow event duration monitors and over 20,000 quality monitors in the next decade. This influx of data is a step towards the situational awareness Grievson envisioned, but it’s not the whole picture.
The industry is also leveraging artificial intelligence to predict sewer blockages and infiltration points. Service models are being developed to grade the intelligence of wastewater networks, helping to understand their capabilities and design capacity for a more controlled system. This is crucial for addressing the storm overflows reduction plan, a pressing environmental concern.
Technology solutions are being deployed to control the wastewater network and create temporary storage. Hyper-local forecasting enables dynamic operation of the system, but this is where the rubber meets the road. The industry has the mandate and approved investment to improve things in a way it has never had before. However, delivering on this mandate requires a collaborative effort between water companies, technology providers, and consultancies.
Grievson emphasizes the need for a holistic approach, using drainage and wastewater management plans to address the issues water companies face. This involves leveraging all available tools—grey, green, and digital—to come up with sustainable solutions. Whether it’s building more concrete, creating digital and control-based solutions, or running modelling scenarios to allow green solutions such as sustainable urban drainage systems to slow the flow, the industry is at a crossroads.
The question now is not just about having the technology but about how to integrate it effectively. The industry has the tools and the investment, but the challenge lies in driving innovation and collaboration to develop new tools and solutions. This news shapes the development in the sector by highlighting the need for a more integrated and collaborative approach. It underscores the importance of leveraging technology and innovation to create sustainable and effective wastewater management solutions. The journey to a truly smart wastewater network is ongoing, but the industry is making significant strides towards that goal.
