3 utilities achieve cleaner, more reliable water for their communities with intelligent solutions

From droughts to floods to leaking pipes, water utilities are under more pressure than ever. Traditional infrastructure wasn’t designed for today’s demands, but digital technology is helping close the gap. Tucson Water, Buffalo Sewer Authority and Hot Springs are three utilities leveraging Xylem’s intelligent solutions to identify and address issues before they happen – providing a cleaner, more reliable water supply for the communities they serve.

Advanced digital tools can now help utilities see what’s happening across their systems in real time so they can make smarter decisions. These intelligent solutions include sensors that detect leaks, platforms that pull data from different sources together, or analytics that predict where problems will occur.

When utilities use these tools, they can conserve water, better prepare for storms, and target repairs on aging networks. The result is more efficient operations that help keep costs down and ensure compliance with regulations. It also means reliable service that builds trust with customers.

Here’s how three utilities are addressing challenges such as water scarcity, severe weather and aging infrastructure.

Challenge: Water scarcity

In dry regions, long-term droughts and growing demand stretch already limited water supplies. Utilities can’t afford to let water slip away through unnoticed leaks or inefficient use.

One answer is intelligent pipeline monitoring and system integration. These solutions use sensors and data platforms to track the condition of critical mains, detect leaks, and forecast future needs. With better visibility, utilities can extend the life of their infrastructure and protect water supplies.

Tucson Water safeguards critical pipelines with acoustic monitoring

In water-scarce Tucson, Arizona, a 1999 pipeline rupture released 38 million gallons of water and caused severe damage to homes and roads. The line was critical for delivering Colorado River water – key to protecting aquifers and ensuring long-term water security.

To prevent another disaster, Tucson Water partnered with Xylem to install acoustic fiber optic monitoring across 21 miles of pipelines. The system listens for early warning signs of failure, giving operators the insight to make proactive repairs and plan ahead.

The approach has prevented more than 10 potential failures, including a near-burst event in 2012. By embracing proactive monitoring, Tucson is strengthening critical infrastructure and securing its community’s water future.

Challenge: Storm events

In many older cities, combined sewer systems can be overwhelmed by heavy storms, sending untreated wastewater into rivers and lakes. Traditional fixes, like building giant storage tunnels or tanks is often too costly.

A smarter approach is available. By connecting sensors, pumps, and tanks into one digital platform, utilities gain real-time visibility and control. Operators can anticipate issues and redirect flows before an overflow occurs – protecting waterways while avoiding the need for costly new infrastructure.

Buffalo Sewer Authority protects waterways from combined sewer overflows

Buffalo, New York, used to release nearly two billion gallons of combined sewer overflow into local waterways every year. With limited funds, the utility needed a new approach.

Buffalo worked with Xylem to install a real-time control system across the city. Using sensors, automation, and predictive analytics, the system continuously optimizes how existing pipes and tanks are used.

The payoff has been enormous. More than 3.5 billion gallons of stormwater have been captured and treated – at a cost of less than one cent per gallon. Buffalo has built an intelligent, resilient sewer system that protects its waterways and residents.

Challenge: Repairing aging infrastructure

Old water networks are prone to leaks and breaks. Every lost gallon is wasted money and a missed opportunity to reinvest in the system. Full replacement is out of reach for most utilities, so they need smarter ways to find and fix problems quickly.

Intelligent leak detection and metering tools are giving operators that visibility. By using smart meters, acoustic listening devices, and digital platforms, utilities can detect hidden losses and target repairs where they matter most.

Hot Springs, Arkansas stops leaks with smart meters and analytics

In Hot Springs, Arkansas, aging pipelines – some over a century old – were leaking millions of gallons of treated water every day. The city needed a smarter way to control losses without rebuilding its entire network.

Hot Springs began by installing smart meters connected to the FlexNet® communication network, giving real-time insight into water use. The utility then added acoustic listening devices and created virtual district metering zones with Xylem Vue to pinpoint leaks.

The results were dramatic. Non-revenue water loss dropped 50% over the past five years. By combining digital tools with targeted repairs, Hot Springs is saving water and money while delivering more reliable service to its residents.

Smarter water, stronger communities

From drought-prone deserts to flood-risk cities, utilities are proving that intelligent solutions can deliver real results. With Xylem’s expertise and technology, operators can see farther ahead, respond faster, and protect water for the long term.

Learn more about how your utility can benefit from Xylem’s intelligent solutions for municipal drinking water and wastewater.