New Research To Unlock Smart Sewer Potential For Water Utilities

WRF-funded study will develop guidance for implementing smart sewer technologies to reduce flooding and overflows

A groundbreaking research initiative led by a multidisciplinary team of engineers and utilities has been launched to address the critical need for industry-wide guidance on smart sewer system implementation. Funded by The Water Research Foundation (WRF), project 5297 focuses on developing practical solutions for utilities seeking to maximize existing infrastructure capacity while reducing capital expenditures through smart technologies.

The project titled "Implementing a Smart Sewer System to Optimize Capacity to Reduce Surface Flooding and Surface Overflows" is being led by Principal Investigator Eric Harold of Carollo Engineers, with Co-Principal Investigator Luis Montestruque of HydroDigital. The comprehensive 24-month study will deliver critical guidance for utilities of all sizes seeking alternatives to costly traditional infrastructure upgrades.

The research is being conducted in collaboration with multiple partner utilities spanning the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, providing an international perspective and broad applicability of findings for both separate and combined sewer systems. This cross-section of utility participation across North America and Europe ensures the research addresses real-world challenges faced by municipalities globally.

“Smart sewer approaches have the potential to greatly improve environmental outcomes at significantly lower costs for communities of all sizes and locations, and can be used to address sewershed problems like sewer overflows, chronic flooding, and water quality issues,” said WRF Chief Executive Officer Peter Grevatt. “We are excited to work with Carollo Engineers and the 14 participating utilities to advance smart sewer research to help realize the full potential of these approaches.”

The study addresses a pressing industry need, as municipalities are spending decades and hundreds of millions of dollars (in some cases, billions of dollars) to complete sewer overflow control efforts, according to a 2023 US Government Accountability Office report. Smart sewer approaches can maximize the capacity of existing infrastructure through the use of weather forecasting, sensors, communications, and real-time controls to adapt to changing conditions, potentially reducing large-scale capital investments.

"While smart sewer projects have been gaining acceptance and have documented lower costs and improved management of overflows and flooding, there remains a lack of industry-wide guidance to help utilities identify opportunities and implement these approaches," said Harold. "This research will provide utilities and municipalities with the information, strategies, and tactics needed to scope their capital programs, tailor control strategies for sewer overflows, and meet regulatory requirements while reducing treatment costs and protecting human health and the environment."

The research team will conduct a comprehensive literature review, broad utility surveys, and targeted interviews across geographic regions and utility sizes. The study will synthesize case studies of both successful implementations and projects that did not achieve intended outcomes, providing critical lessons learned for the industry.

For more information on this research, visit WRF project 5297.

About The Water Research Foundation
The Water Research Foundation (WRF) is the leading research organization advancing the science of all water to meet the evolving needs of its subscribers and the water sector. WRF is a nonprofit, educational organization that funds, manages, and publishes research on the technology, operation, and management of drinking water, wastewater, reuse, and stormwater systems—all in pursuit of ensuring water quality and improving water services to the public. For more information, visit www.waterrf.org.

About Carollo Engineers
For over 90 years, Carollo Engineers has provided a full range of innovative planning, design, and construction management services to address the water needs of municipalities, public agencies, private developers, and industrial clients. Carollo develops robust water management strategies that leverage collaboration, provide multi-benefit solutions, and achieve sustainability and resilience. Carollo has over 1,700 employees located across North America. For more information, visit www.carollo.com.

About HydroDigital
HydroDigital delivers advanced digital solutions that help utilities optimize water network operations. With over 20 years of experience, the team specializes in Real-Time Decision Support Systems (RT-DSS) that integrate sensor networks, digital twins, and advanced algorithms to enhance operations and guide capital planning. HydroDigital’s transparent, co-design approach ensures each system is sustainable, accessible, and tailored to utility needs. For more information, visit www.hydrodigital.co