Making Waves in 2023: 5 Xylem customers revolutionizing water access, affordability, and resilience
1. Nashville, Tennessee, improves its distribution network using digital twins
Metro Water Services operates a complex water distribution system with over 3,000 miles (4,800 kilometers) of water mains. While reviewing digital twin data for its network, the utility found that the water age at a particular tank was significantly higher than expected.
Armed with this insight, the utility decided to reduce the lower limit of the tank fill by just three feet (about one meter). Adjustments like these, informed by digital twin technology and real-time data, enable the utility to continue to deliver safe, high-quality drinking water to its community. Read more.
2. Buffalo, New York, cuts combined sewer overflows by 450 million gallons
The Buffalo Sewer Authority was dealing with increased combined sewer overflows in receiving waterways. To protect the environment, the utility needed to improve its collection system while limiting costly investments in new infrastructure.
The utility decided to use digital technology to optimize how water is stored and transported in its massive gravity sewer system. This new system reduced sewer overflows by 450 million gallons in the first 12 months, saved $145 million, and enables citizens to continue enjoying rivers and lakes. Watch the video.
3. Malaysian utility uses real-time monitoring to reduce pipe leaks and bursts
Pressure surges in pipe networks can turn small leaks into bursts, leading to expensive repairs and service disruptions. To address this problem, Malaysia’s largest water utility uses digital technology to detect leaks in real time and identify the causes of pressure surges. Read the interview.
“Our analytics team is identifying two leaks per week, a significant improvement compared to traditional methods where the same pipelines may not be revisited for months or years,” says Ir. Abas Abdullah, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the utility.
4. Scottish Water reduces energy consumption at pumping stations by up to 60%
Water utilities around the world are rising to the challenge of lowering emissions. One utility leading the way is Scottish Water, which has committed to reaching net-zero emissions by 2040. As part of this goal, the utility is focusing on reducing energy use and reactive callouts at pumping stations. Watch the video.
“Wastewater is probably a bit behind the curve in the water sector when it comes to implementing new technologies,” says Nathan Wield, Wastewater Operations West Manager for Scottish Water. “But this also means there are bigger opportunities to make a difference. When we can upgrade our assets, and work more efficiently, that can lead to massive improvements.”
5. European utility solves cavitation issues at a pumping station using digital twin
A major wastewater utility in Europe was recently facing cavitation issues at one of its pumping stations, leading to decreased performance and increased wear on pumps. Since the pumping station is located near the ocean, variables in tide levels made it impossible for operators to set the right pump control strategy.
To solve the problem, the utility used digital twin technology and real-time performance insights to identify when assets were operating outside of their best efficiency zone. It can now accurately predict and prevent pump failures caused by excessive cavitation, saving costs and improving performance. Read the story.
Learn more about Xylem’s digital solutions
Xylem Vue powered by GoAigua gives utilities a holistic view of their data all in one place. It collects and analyzes data for wastewater networks, treatment plants, drinking water networks and asset management. This enables utilities to reduce sewer overflows, cut infrastructure costs, lower energy costs at treatment plants, detect leaks earlier, and identify and prioritize at-risk assets that need repair. Read more.