Faced with increased flooding and droughts, population growth and ageing infrastructure, the water sector needs a smart solution to help tackle these challenges.
Climate change and rapid urbanisation are placing more demand on Australia’s water network than ever before – and on top of this growing demand, utilities are also racing against time to repair and maintain existing assets.
To meet these challenges, it’s critical that water authorities can allocate their resources efficiently, but this requires highly accurate data and forecasting.
Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) can draw from historical data, weather conditions, population growth and other relevant factors to accurately predict operational needs and help utilities to adopt proactive maintenance strategies.
This information is also invaluable in demand forecasting and can help the sector ensure that ample water is available at the right time and place.
A holistic approach
Highly accurate hyperlocal weather forecasts are changing how councils can control localised flooding, how utilities manage remote raw water sources and how pollution events are reduced – and for years Metasphere has been tailoring smart network management solutions to the unique needs of the water sector.
Metasphere’s mantra is “no spills” and the company believes shifting from a reactive “monitor and alarm” approach to proactive “predict and prevent” operational mentality, is the key to eliminating spills altogether.
AI and ML technology has already proven its worth in energy optimisation for water utilities. By analysing energy consumption and system performance data, utilities can identify opportunities for improvement. ML algorithms can optimise pumping schedules, adjust treatment processes based on real-time conditions and predict energy demand. This allows utilities to operate at optimal efficiency, reducing costs and minimising environmental impact.
A significant challenge for utilities is transitioning from the management of isolated assets to automated and integrated networks. Taking a holistic approach by considering catchment areas, weather data and utility network information allows for better prediction of impacts on natural watercourses and coastlines. In addition, predicting water quality, including soil moisture data and information on agricultural use – such as fertiliser by crop type and proximity to watercourses – is a valuable addition to catchment-based management.
Leveraging the full potential
Integrating data from various sources, such as traditional, IoT and citizen science data, is essential but presents challenges.
To overcome these challenges and fully leverage the potential of AI and ML, it’s critical that utilities can tap into the knowledge of subject matter experts who can offer the right advice.
Specialising in wastewater management, Metasphere provides smart network management solutions to the global utility industry.
The company’s intelligent solutions offer full visibility and forecasting for remote assets and systems, reducing telemetry ownership costs.
In 2023, Metasphere was acquired by Grundfos, a global leader in advanced pump solutions and water technologies, and together the two companies are committed to helping utilities enhance efficiency, reduce costs, optimise networks and protect the environment while delivering sustainable water services to the communities they serve.
For more information, visit metasphere.co.uk
