Oral Presentation IPWEA International Asset Management Congress 2024

Leveraging advanced cloud and AI technology in wastewater asset management (108249)

Amanda Siqueira 1 , Mark Lee 1 , Michelle McMillan 2
  1. VAPAR, Sydney
  2. Autodesk, Brisbane

 Many water authorities are showcasing their cutting-edge approach to sewerage management.  The past year water authorities have embarked on a pioneering project to tackle challenges in CCTV data management, including unreviewed footage and a backlog of condition assessments. Seeking to streamline their workflow, they are integrating VAPAR’s AI solution with Autodesk’s Info360 Asset solution, revolutionising their data capture and processing capabilities.

These projects addressed the obstacles many water authorities face, enhancing their ability to efficiently manage vast volumes of CCTV inspection data. By quickly processing this data using AI-powered CCTV processing, they could prioritise the riskiest assets, identify rehabilitation approaches, and establish comprehensive capital improvement budgets. Utilising the latest technology, they converted their underutilised backlog of inspections into a fully formulated long-term CAPEX plan, achieving significant resource and time savings.

The integrated software’s outputs also supported business case submissions for annual rehabilitation proposals, aligning with water authority’s strategic asset management policy. This proactive plan reduces the risk profile, providing options for repairs using trenchless techniques before further deterioration necessitates costlier and more disruptive civil excavation fixes.

These innovative project’s not only highlight their commitment to leveraging advanced cloud and AI technology but also sets a benchmark and provides a solution roadmap for other regional councils striving for excellence in infrastructure management. Through this integration, these water authorities exemplify how modern solutions can transform traditional practices, ensuring efficient and sustainable management of vital public assets.