Advancing Water Management through Comprehensive Sewer Water Quality Monitoring

It is customary practice for water agencies to use sensors in the sewer collection system to track flows and levels in pipes and manholes, allowing them to operate the system more efficiently by understanding changes in capacity in real time. Utilities can use other types of sensors to track water quality, providing a more comprehensive picture and allowing the facility manager to understand organic loads before they reach the plant, minimize plant upsets, and allow for more proactive operation. However, sensors can also monitor corrosive discharges into the sewer system that have the potential to damage pipes, manholes, structures, and pump stations. The City of Memphis implemented real-time industrial discharge monitoring, resulting in a decrease of almost 80% in the minutes of noncompliance in the first few months. Use of real-time remote monitoring equipment can enhance the resilience and performance of wastewater utilities.