As urban centers continue to grapple with the impacts of climate change, the challenge of managing stormwater has become increasingly critical. Conventional combined sewer systems, designed decades ago, are struggling to keep up with the growing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. These outdated systems are prone to combined sewer overflows (CSOs) – events where untreated sewage and stormwater are discharged directly into nearby water bodies, posing significant environmental and public health risks.
Water utilities are under mounting pressure to find innovative, cost-effective solutions to mitigate the growing threat of CSOs. Fortunately, advancements in smart sensor technologies, predictive analytics, and real-time control systems are empowering utilities to transform their stormwater management approaches. By integrating these cutting-edge digital tools, utilities can optimize the performance of their existing infrastructure, enhance system visibility, and make data-driven decisions to reduce the impact of CSOs.
Harnessing Real-Time Data and Analytics
At the heart of sustainable urban stormwater management lies the ability to continuously monitor and analyze the performance of sewer networks. Xylem Vue, a pioneering solution from Xylem, leverages a network of strategically placed sensors to provide water utilities with a comprehensive, real-time view of their systems.
These sensors track a variety of critical parameters, including rainfall patterns, water levels, flow rates, and system capacities. By aggregating and analyzing this data in real-time, Xylem Vue enables utilities to anticipate and respond to overflow events more effectively. The platform’s predictive analytics capabilities can even forecast the likelihood and timing of CSOs, allowing for proactive interventions and resource deployment.
For example, the City of Richmond, Virginia, faced the annual challenge of managing CSO volumes ranging from one to three billion gallons. By partnering with Xylem to implement the Xylem Vue platform, the city was able to gain unprecedented visibility into its sewer network. This data-driven approach empowered Richmond to identify the most impactful infrastructure projects, develop a defensible, regulatory-compliant plan, and optimize costs – all while increasing public transparency around CSO event reporting.
Optimizing Existing Infrastructure
Rather than resorting to costly gray infrastructure projects, such as building new treatment plants or expanding sewer networks, many utilities are finding that smart, digital solutions can unlock significant value from their existing assets. Xylem Vue’s real-time control capabilities enable utilities to dynamically manage the flow of water through their systems, maximizing the capacity of their current infrastructure.
The City of Buffalo, New York, is a prime example of this approach in action. Facing nearly two billion gallons of annual CSOs, the Buffalo Sewer Authority partnered with Xylem to implement a Real-Time Control System (RTC) through Xylem Vue. This innovative solution allowed the city to optimize its existing sewer network, cutting CSO volumes by 450 million gallons in the first year – without the need for major capital investments.
Similarly, the Cincinnati Metropolitan Sewer District (MSD) was under a federal consent decree to reduce its 14.4 billion gallons of annual CSO discharges. By leveraging Xylem Vue’s SSO/CSO Prediction and Prevention application, the city was able to avoid over $38 million in capital project costs, cutting its CSO mitigation expenses to less than $0.01 per gallon.
Integrating Green Infrastructure
While digital technologies play a crucial role in sustainable urban stormwater management, they are most effective when combined with nature-based solutions. Green infrastructure, such as rain gardens, permeable pavements, and green roofs, can significantly reduce the burden on combined sewer systems by intercepting and infiltrating stormwater at the source.
By incorporating green infrastructure into their stormwater management strategies, utilities can create a more holistic, resilient, and environmentally-friendly approach. These nature-based solutions not only help mitigate CSOs but also provide valuable ecosystem services, such as improved water quality, reduced urban heat island effects, and enhanced habitat for local wildlife.
The City of South Bend, Indiana, is a prime example of this integrated approach. Facing the challenge of managing 1-2 billion gallons of annual CSOs, the city partnered with Xylem to implement a real-time decision support system (RT-DSS) powered by Xylem Vue’s SSO/CSO Prediction and Prevention application. This smart sewer technology, combined with the deployment of green infrastructure, enabled South Bend to reduce its combined sewer overflow volumes by 80% – about one billion gallons annually. The city’s success has positioned it as a leader in innovative water management, showcasing the power of blending digital solutions with nature-based strategies.
Navigating Regulatory Compliance
As governments around the world enact stricter environmental regulations to address the impacts of urban stormwater, water utilities might want to adapt quickly to double-check that compliance. In the United States, the EPA continues to enforce the Clean Water Act through revised National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits, requiring municipalities to implement long-term control plans to reduce or eliminate CSO discharges.
Similarly, Europe is tightening its enforcement of the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive, pushing cities to modernize their infrastructure and limit CSO events. These regulatory changes reflect growing concerns about the environmental and public health impacts of untreated wastewater entering natural water bodies, which are only exacerbated by the effects of climate change.
By integrating smart sensor technologies, predictive analytics, and real-time controls, water utilities can not only improve their operational efficiency and environmental performance but also demonstrate compliance with these evolving regulations. The data-driven insights generated by platforms like Xylem Vue empower utilities to make informed, defensible decisions, justifying capital expenditures and optimizing their long-term control plans.
Toward a More Resilient Future
As the effects of climate change continue to reshape our urban landscapes, the need for sustainable, innovative stormwater management strategies has never been more pressing. By harnessing the power of smart sensors, predictive analytics, and real-time controls, water utilities can transform their approach to managing combined sewer overflows, enhancing the resilience of their communities and safeguarding the health of local ecosystems.
Through the integration of digital technologies and nature-based solutions, water utilities can optimize the performance of their existing infrastructure, anticipate and respond to extreme weather events, and double-check that regulatory compliance – all while reducing costs and improving environmental outcomes. By embracing this holistic, data-driven approach to urban stormwater management, we can build a more sustainable and resilient future for our cities.
To learn more about how Xylem’s innovative solutions can help your utility address the challenges of combined sewer overflows, visit Flood Control 2015.
Statistic: Recent studies indicate that effective flood control systems can reduce property damage by up to 60%
