Innovative smart water network technology used by SA Water has been recognised with the Customer Service Award at the Institute of Asset Management’s global awards in London.
The technology has already prevented around 30 water main breaks or leaks from impacting customers.
Competing with utilities from around the world, SA Water’s smart water network also claimed runner-up in the Project Achievement Award category.
SA Water’s Chief Executive, Roch Cheroux, said he was thrilled the team had been recognised for its pioneering adoption of smart technology for the benefit of customers.
“We are the first water utility in the world to implement a range of Internet of Things–enabled sensors at scale within a defined geographic area, and recognition like this award provides a platform to share the knowledge we’ve built and improve water network management practices,” Mr Cheroux said.
“Awards like this are a credit to our highly capable team, which developed this technology with our customers in mind, along with smart technology solutions that will continue to expand to other parts of our network across SA.”
Implemented in a $4 million trial across Adelaide’s Central Business District, SA Water’s smart water network combines acoustic sensors, pressure and flow data, high-speed transient pressure sensors, smart meters and water-quality sensors to identify potential leaks and trigger intervention before leaks or breaks escalate to impact customers or commuters.
Around 300 smart meters are also being installed at residences and businesses in Penneshaw, with a further 35 pressure sensors, 19 flow meters, 120 acoustic leak detection sensors and two water-quality sensors currently rolling out across Athelstone, North Adelaide and Port Lincoln.
Following the success of the technology in its water network, SA Water has now expanded its program to wastewater, with around 185 level sensors, odour detection sensors and weather stations in its wastewater network in Gawler and Stonyfell.
“The combination of technology across both types of network, a world-leading analytics platform and the expertise of our team will give us a more detailed view of our underground systems and how we can best manage them for the benefit of our customers,” Mr Cheroux said.
This week’s award follows a number of other accolades for SA Water’s smart network in 2018, including two awards at the 2018 Australian Internet of Things Awards, a bronze prize at the International Water Association’s Project Innovation Awards, and title of 2018 Australian Digital Utility of the Year, at the Digital Utility Awards.
The Digital Utility Awards will be held once again in 2019, as part of the Digital Utilities 2019 conference, 21-22 March, in Melbourne.
Digital Utilities provides a platform for utility leaders to share and discuss the challenges of digital transformation, and learn from those already seeing the benefits.
The expert speaker line-up will feature Managing Directors, Chief Information Officers and Heads of Digital at Australia’s major water and energy utilities, as well as digitisation experts and government representatives.
For more information, go to https://www.digitalutilities.com.au/.
