Flowing Forward: How Technology Is A Necessity For Solving The Water Sector's Growing Challenges

By Chad Hall

Modern problems for water utilities, including limited workforce and aging infrastructure, require modern tools for overcoming them.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators is projected to decline 6% from 2022 to 2032.¹ Meanwhile, the deterioration of water infrastructure adds to the urgency of finding effective solutions, especially as 6 billion gallons of treated water are estimated to be lost every day in the U.S. due to leaks, with approximately 240,000 water main breaks occurring annually.²

To tackle these two pressing challenges and empower a mission-critical workforce, water utilities are increasingly turning to digitalization. By harnessing the power of digital technologies, utility companies can enhance operational efficiency and resilience. From real-time record-keeping to reliable connectivity and security protocols, the adoption of digital solutions — particularly rugged mobile solutions — can serve as a valuable tool for workers on the front lines grappling with these challenges.

Streamlining Operations And Improving Record-Keeping

One significant area where digitalization makes a difference is in streamlining operations and improving record-keeping. Historically, water utility workers used paper-based record systems to document meter readings and maintenance activities. However, this method posed challenges because the data could be misplaced or fall subject to a variety of elements impacting readability and accuracy, such as spills and rips. This method also caused delays in inputting information into computer systems, often located at an office miles away.

To address these inefficiencies, water utility companies are now integrating rugged mobile technology into their daily routines. This advancement allows water technicians to digitize and automate previously manual tasks, such as meter readings and asset inspections. Equipped with devices designed to withstand any environment, workers can streamline record-keeping, ensuring data reliability and accuracy. Ultimately, this integration empowers workers to accomplish more in less time, enhancing overall operational effectiveness and service quality, while speeding up the time it takes to analyze and act on data across the organization.

Providing Reliable Connectivity Outside Of The Office

Water treatment plants and pumping stations in remote areas often have unstable connectivity, making data collection and analysis difficult to do on the job. If a technician is conducting a routine maintenance check on a pipeline and identifies a series of leaks, they must be able to solve the problem quickly by communicating details in real-time such as the precise location, size, and severity. This is a critical element of both short-term repairs and longer-term prioritization of fixing aging infrastructure.

Utility workers must be equipped with devices that have multiple connectivity options, such as Wi-Fi, 4G LTE, 5G, and Bluetooth. These ensure reliability, even in areas where signals may be obstructed by large machinery like water pumps and sedimentation tanks. Access to real-time intelligence or the ability to quickly access maps, blueprints, manuals, and more enables workers to make informed decisions onsite, preventing minor issues from escalating into significant problems.

Truly reliable connectivity can also help optimize water technicians’ routes and schedules. For instance, if a worker is conducting routine maintenance near a recently detected leak, utilities can look at the big picture and send immediate notifications, directing the closest worker to the leak. This approach minimizes response times and maximizes resource utilization, giving teams heightened visibility into where staff, materials, and machinery are in the field.

Maintaining Security On The Go

Ensuring security while on the move is crucial as water utilities become more interconnected. Water is a vital resource, and its infrastructure is of critical importance. Water and wastewater systems are susceptible to cyber threats, emphasizing the importance of devices that facilitate the implementation and auditing of security best practices. These devices must enable swift identification of intrusions and provide alerts to experts capable of mitigating potential attacks to maintain the resilience of these systems. That’s why the devices that workers use must meet strict security standards and have required checks to ensure they incorporate the latest security measures.

Devices with built-in security features like fingerprint scanning and multi-factor authentication can help reduce potential risks. By integrating these features, the need for employees to repeatedly input lengthy passwords is eliminated, ultimately reducing downtime and enhancing overall efficiency. These security measures enable workers and companies to prioritize their core mission: maintaining the security and cleanliness of water for their communities.

Facilitating A True Partnership

Fostering a true partnership between utility companies and technology providers is essential for water utility operations. Utility companies must carefully select a technology partner capable of delivering comprehensive services and support, from the initial deployment through the entire lifespan of its devices. Rugged devices are designed to be long-lasting and high-performance, staying in rotation for upwards of five to seven years, which helps to reduce e-waste. Consumer devices have a shorter lifespan and therefore are more frequently outdated and recycled. And, given the constraints of limited IT resources, partnership is key to effectively deploying and managing advanced technology.

Experienced technology partners offer a range of services tailored to the specific needs of utility companies. Whether it’s proving an extension of existing IT teams, assisting with software installation, or offering expertise in evaluating various deployment models to help lower costs, technology partners play an important role in driving efficiency and innovation across water utility companies.

As the U.S. continues to digitize, utility and technology companies must work together to equip frontline workers with the devices they need. By prioritizing workers’ needs, utility and technology companies can work together to navigate the evolving landscape efficiently, productively, and with confidence.

References:

1. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/production/water-and-wastewater-treatment-plantand-system-operators.htm#tab-6
2. https://www.mod-eng.com/all-you-need-to-know-about-americas-agingwater-infrastructure-crisis/

About The Author

Chad Hall serves as executive business development manager at Panasonic Connect, overseeing the development of rugged mobile solutions to support the utilities sector. He obtained his bachelor’s degree in geography and master’s degree in geographic information science and cartography from Texas State University.