I&I water – how we can detect and prevent it

The waste water systems efficiency is crucial to prevent any environmental damage caused by wastewater. However, with aging pipes and extreme weather, this efficient design is compromised, leading to infiltration and inflow (I&I) of storm and groundwater through cracks, manholes, and open joints. 

This influx of relatively clean excess water into the wastewater system can have disastrous consequences for both the system itself and the environment it serves. It not only incurs high emergency maintenance and repair costs but also drives up long-term energy usage at pumping stations due to water overflow. In severe cases, it may result in plant rebuilding and expansion due to flows exceeding the permitted and designed capacity. 
To address this issue, identifying the areas and pumping stations affected by I&I is paramount. Smartvatten Neuro achieves this by leveraging weather data, energy data, and pumping station information to pinpoint the sources of storm and groundwater intrusion. By visualising this data, utilities can efficiently focus on problem-solving rather than wasting resources on detection and location efforts. Preventing I&I is not only a matter of system efficiency but also a significant step towards a more sustainable and cost-effective wastewater management approach. 
 
Unraveling Water Flow 

Smartvatten base their calcualtions on data that has an effect or will be affected by the water flowing through the system. The water in the system gets divided into 4 types - wastewater, ground water, fast rainfall and slow rainfall. To accurately determine the flow of inflow and infiltration (I&I) in the system, critical data must be considered: weather data, flow measurements from pumping stations, and billed water usage.

The precision and quality of the analysis directly correlate with the accuracy of the input data.  The I&I analysis by Smartvatten is a flexible and adaptable tool that can be customized to meet the unique needs of utility companies. A pivotal parameter in this analysis, particularly significant for locations that’s affected by the tidal range, is sea level. Sea level plays a vital role in understanding the potential increase in water in the system during high tide.  

Smartvatten’s approach to I&I analysis offers a valuable resource for efficient water management, aiding utilities in making informed decisions tailored to their specific requirements.

The stratetic placement of flow meters 

Upon implementing the Infiltration and Inflow (I&I) module, a common and highly effective practice observed among our clients involves the installation of supplementary flow meters in targeted catchment areas with the highest I&I water contribution to the sewer system. 

These flow meters are strategically placed to achieve a crucial objective: distinguishing between individual branches within the catchment area. This precise deployment facilitates the pinpointing of I&I water entry points within the system. As a result, corrective actions can be executed with remarkable efficiency. 

This strategic positioning not only streamlines the process of locating I&I-related issues but also significantly reduces the resources traditionally expended in this endeavor. Consequently, utilities can maximize their operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness while ensuring the integrity of their sewer systems. 

Let your data work for you and lighten your workload! Experience Smartvatten Neuro in action today! 

Download our brochure or book a 30min Demo.