February 2018 Vol. 73 No. 2
New Products
SmartCover System Saves Millions for Ratepayers
A successful pilot program for the San Antonio Water System (SAWS) represents the nation’s widest deployment of smart infrastructure in sewer collection systems to lower operating costs by millions of dollars, reduce pressure on rates and dramatically decrease the risk of sewer overflows.
SAWS is in the process of strategically deploying 200 SmartCover Systems (SCS) real-time remote sensors to keep a high-tech eye on troubled pipeline segments citywide. These units will join more than 300 current sensors used to monitor high-risk pipes, increasing the smart monitoring network to more than 500 sites.
By continuously monitoring sewer flows, the sensor network provides SAWS with the ability to “see” how its pipelines are faring. SCS’ proprietary software puts the right information, at the right time, at the fingertips of operators so they can make real-time, actionable decisions that lead to saved money and extended lifetime of pipes.
“Our system is like an EKG for the sewer,” said Greg Quist, CEO of SCS. “We combine real-time flow data with advanced analytics to give SAWS the ability to visualize the health of their pipelines and detect small trends that can anticipate future problems. Our SmartClean program provides real-time condition assessment of the collection system and puts SAWS in the position of being proactive, rather than reactive.”
Resulting data eliminates unnecessary maintenance and redundant cleaning to ensure sufficient flow capacity. Less cleaning reduces operational costs and demands, wear and tear on pipes and staff labor, while real-time assessment maintains 24/7 protection from overflows. In 2014 alone, the SAWS SmartCover System prevented more than 500 potential sewer system overflows at locations with a high risk due to the structural condition, grease, debris or roots.
The company recently attracted growth capital from XPV Water Partners, a leading water sector investor. “We chose to partner with SmartCover Systems as the only solution that met our high safety, installation, and end-to-end solution criteria, and truly provides operators with actionable data – saving time, money, and giving them peace of mind,” said Dave
Henderson, managing partner of XPV. “We are very excited about the company’s partnership with SAWS as one of the leading infrastructure thought leaders, and this powerful validation of the value of the SmartCover solution, especially since SAWS manages one of the largest sewer networks in the country.”
SAWS leadership and vision was recognized by AccelerateH2O, the Texas-based organization focused on bringing innovative practices, novel technologies and water utilities together. “We presented SAWS with the annual Innovator of the Year Award to highlight its early adoption of innovative solutions. We encourage unique approaches and seek solutions such as SmartClean to demonstrate their capabilities in real-world settings. SAWS and SCS exemplify successful collaborations and partnerships necessary for solving urgent challenges,” said Richard Seline, executive director of AccelerateH2O.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
SmartCover Systems Inc., (760) 291-1980, smartcoversystems.com
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