Game-Changing Technologies for Sewer and Wastewater Management

Discover how advanced technologies from BlueEdge™ are enhancing the efficiency and resilience of sewer systems and treatment processes, helping utilities tackle the challenges posed by urbanization and climate change.

Sewer Management Technologies

One of the biggest challenges in wastewater management is maintaining the integrity of sewer systems while preventing costly overflows. Advanced tools such as smart wastewater monitoring devices and external pressure sensors, allow utilities to monitor sewer conditions in real-time. This capability enables early detection of issues, facilitating quick responses that minimize damage and help avoid regulatory violations.

Yorkshire Water has adopted the SeptiNet system, a pioneering smart sensor technology that monitors and controls septicity in its wastewater network. This system uses H2S gas and ORP sensors to provide continuous real-time data, helping operators identify early signs of septicity and enabling proactive measures like chemical dosing or flow diversion. By leveraging this technology, Yorkshire Water reduces odor, corrosion, and pollution while enhancing the resilience and efficiency of its wastewater systems.

Similarly, Anglian Water installed Syrinix PIPEMINDER-ONE monitors across its rising mains to detect bursts and optimize performance. Data from these monitors, processed through the RADAR Pressure Management Data Platform, allows for rapid detection of pressure drops, leading to quicker mitigation and reduced environmental impact. The system also identifies performance inefficiencies, such as blocked valves, resulting in significant energy savings and extended asset life, with a projected investment payback within a year.

Despite the challenges posed by aging infrastructure, urbanization, and climate change, these technologies provide a reliable way for utilities to stay ahead of potential problems and protect communities.

Aeration Control Technologies

In addition to monitoring sewers, aeration control plays a vital role in wastewater treatment. Aeration helps break down organic matter, but it’s an energy-intensive process. Advanced solutions are available that optimize this process by allowing operators to adjust oxygen levels more precisely. This not only improves treatment efficiency but also significantly reduces energy consumption, making the process more cost-effective and environmentally friendly. By using these tools, wastewater facilities can navigate the challenge of balancing energy demand with the need for effective treatment.

At the J.D. Phillips Water Resource Recovery Plant in Colorado Springs upgraded to Badger Meter water quality sensors to enhance aeration control by monitoring key parameters like NH4-N, pH, dissolved oxygen, TSS, and NO3-N. By utilizing RS485 Modbus radios for real-time data transmission instead of costly conduit installations, the plant achieved dynamic sensor mobility across aeration basins, allowing for more effective management of aeration blowers and resulting in reduced operating costs.

Process Control Technologies

Another critical area in wastewater treatment is process control, which ensures consistent treatment quality and operational efficiency. Automated systems and flow solutions enable real-time monitoring and adjustments to treatment parameters. These systems allow facilities to meet regulatory standards while enhancing overall performance. In a field where systems are complex and wastewater quality can vary, having the ability to automate and streamline operations is essential to achieving efficiency and reliability.

In El Gouna, Egypt, researchers are evaluating methods to expand the central wastewater treatment plant's capacity, without new construction, by comparing conventional activated sludge with fixed and moving bed biofilm carrier hybrid processes. They utilize BlueEdge solutions, including the spectro::lyser, ammo::lyser, and oxi::lyser, to measure key parameters and optimize COD removal and nitrification, aiming to assess biofilm carriers as a viable upgrade for overloaded plants.

Sludge Management Technologies

Effective sludge management is equally important for maintaining smooth operations. Sludge blankets must be carefully monitored to prevent carryover, which can disrupt the treatment process and lead to higher maintenance costs. Real-time monitoring solutions help facilities maintain control of sludge levels, avoiding these issues and improving performance. Additionally, controlling total suspended solids (TSS) is critical for ensuring water quality. Advanced monitoring tools, such as the Q46/88 Suspended Solids Monitor, optimize TSS management, further enhancing the efficiency of treatment operations.

The Punta Gorda Water Treatment Plant in Florida implemented FilterSmart and EchoSmart water quality monitors to enhance their filtration and sludge management processes, resulting in significant operational efficiencies. By optimizing filter run times and reducing backwash duration, the plant achieved annual savings of approximately $86,000, while improved sludge control led to further savings in drying processes, ultimately totaling over $500,000 in savings within the first few years of installation.

Final Thoughts

The future of wastewater treatment lies in embracing innovation. With the growing demands on aging infrastructure and the increasing pressures from urbanization and climate change, smart technology is more important than ever. The BlueEdge portfolio of solutions is designed to address these challenges by improving efficiency, reducing energy consumption, and ensuring regulatory compliance. By integrating these technologies, wastewater facilities can build a more resilient and sustainable system that is better equipped to handle the demands of both today and tomorrow.