Digital trial reduces wastewater network costs

Water utility managers in Håbo, a small municipality north-west of the Swedish capital, Stockholm, began conversations with InfoTiles when they suspected infiltration of wastewater and inflow of groundwater into wastewater networks (I&I) was adding massive volumes requiring transport and treatment. Managers wanted to investigate I&I further and needed tangible evidence to demonstrate the need for investment but were facing budgetary and operational constraints. Using control system data together with weather data and analysis of wastewater networks using in situ sensors, the collaboration sought to determine when and where I&I was occurring and decide on the appropriate response. Gathering evidence Inflow is stormwater that flows into wastewater pipes through faults such as holes, cracks, joint failures and broken connections. Infiltration occurs when groundwater enters the wastewater network through faults in pipes, compounding the flow. Magne Eide, chief operating officer at Infotiles, said: “We set out to show Håbo municipality what the cost of not maintaining its wastewater network to prevent I&I...