Smart sewer project to reduce storm overflow spills

Northumbrian Water has initiated a £20 million project aimed at reducing storm overflow spills across Tyneside.

This project, the first of its kind in the UK, will utilise new technology, sensors and AI analytics to lower the risk of overflows.

The approach is based on successful techniques from the US.

In South Bend, Indiana, similar smart sewer technology reduced storm overflow spills by 80% over ten years.

This involved installing sensors, AI analytics and control measures in a section of the wastewater network.

In the UK, storm overflows act as relief valves during heavy rainfall to prevent sewer flooding in homes.

They are used with the Environment Agency’s consent to protect homes from internal flooding.

The smart sewer project will enable Northumbrian Water to control the flow and direction of wastewater, reducing the likelihood of spills.

AI technology and hundreds of smart sensors along sewer pipes will predict when and where rain will hit and when sewer networks are likely to reach capacity.

The system will automatically balance network flows, diverting wastewater to less full parts of the network and identifying areas needing additional capacity for targeted investments.

This real-time decision support system will be powered by a digital twin, a digital version of the physical sewer network, allowing Northumbrian Water to make changes before spills occur.

Nigel Watson, Information Services Director at Northumbrian Water, said: “We are determined to be at the forefront when it comes to using clever new technology to protect our rivers and coasts as much as possible.

“This could be a massive step for us towards reducing how we use storm overflows.”