Using Operational Data To Prioritize Water Infrastructure Investments

By Sheila Kee

Most U.S. water utilities are being asked to do more with their operational and distribution systems, both of which are becoming increasingly difficult and expensive to maintain. Aging infrastructure, population growth, climate variability, and changing regulations continue to squeeze budgets, stress staffing, and complicate long-term planning.

At the same time, utilities have access to more operational data than ever before. Meter reads, pressure measurements, leak alerts, and maintenance records all provide valuable insight into system performance. The challenge for most utilities is that this information often exists in silos across multiple systems, making it difficult to connect individual data points and determine what requires attention first.

For the utilities who adopt technology to be able to see this information in one place, it becomes easier to understand what's happening across the distribution system and identify where action and investment is needed most. When a utility gains access to near-real-time data, advanced analytics and AI-driven analysis, they can identify emerging issues earlier, direct their resources more effectively, and make more informed investment decisions. What is driving these utilities to create this visibility and digitize their systems? Let’s take a look.