THE FUTURE OF SEWER NETWORK MANAGEMENT WITH AI
Sewer overflows pose a serious threat to the environment and public health. But what if we could predict and prevent these events before they happen?
Siemens’ scalable water-focused technology portfolio, tailored to customer needs and sustainability, includes the SIWA Blockage Predictor—a groundbreaking AI-based solution that is transforming how we manage sewer networks.
SEWER NETWORK: STATUS, MANAGEMENT, AND DISTRUPTION
Sewer networks are a critical infrastructure for every city, yet they often operate without real-time monitoring. Overflows—especially during heavy storms—can cause serious environmental damage and expensive emergency interventions. Traditionally, maintenance has been mostly reactive, with actions taken only after problems arise, resulting in high costs for citizens and the environment.
INNOVATION LIES IN DESIGN
In this context, Siemens' water technology portfolio introduces the SIWA Blockage Predictor, a revolutionary technological innovation. This solution uses AI to evaluate the behavior of combined sewers in real time, anticipating potential issues with impressive accuracy. The system can forecast criticalities up to two weeks in advance, offering valuable time for preventive actions. Its true strength lies in the ability to detect nine out of ten blockages, ensuring an unprecedented level of reliability in the sector.
The system architecture has been designed for practicality and efficiency: the modular solution seamlessly integrates process instrumentation with 4G communication systems and a dedicated cloud application. Implementation is remarkably fast, requiring only a few minutes for initial installation.
MEETING SECTOR NEEDS THROUGH PREDICTION AND PREVENTION
This innovative project is revolutionizing how sewer infrastructures are managed. The solution not only helps prevent flooding and environmental pollution incidents, but it also radically transforms the maintenance approach. Real-time performance monitoring optimizes operating costs, while predictive analytics helps identify and manage critical issues like inflow and infiltration, which can represent up to 30% of wastewater flow.
The system is also flexible: it adapts perfectly to existing infrastructure, supporting both pre-installed sensors and new instrumentation. Its ability to integrate with existing ERP, EAM, and GIS systems makes it a versatile and powerful tool. Despite its advanced technological capabilities, the system maintains a low entry barrier, making it accessible to utilities of all sizes. Security has not been overlooked either: the system complies with the highest industry standards, aligned with IEC62443 and ISO27001 regulations.
A SOLUTION THAT STARTS AT ECOMONDO AND REACHES INFRASTRUCTURE
Siemens’ innovation aligns perfectly with the Water Cycle sector promoted by Ecomondo. This exhibition section is dedicated to the entire integrated water service supply chain and the water cycle, addressing themes such as water conservation, treatment and reuse in a circular perspective across agriculture, industry, and civil sectors, as well as system monitoring.
The adoption of advanced technologies like the SIWA Blockage Predictor contributes significantly to the sustainable management of water resources. Furthermore, the integration of digital systems into the water cycle, as proposed by Siemens, responds to the growing need for digitalization in the sector, improving operational efficiency and the environmental sustainability of sewer infrastructures.
Siemens’ solution, in line with Ecomondo’s goal of promoting innovative solutions, demonstrates how advanced technology can serve the environment and contribute to the efficient management of urban infrastructure.
In the November 2024 edition, the project won the Lorenzo Cagnoni Award for Green Innovation, confirming its innovative strength.
An article written by Ecomondo and Siemens