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Introduction

In 2011, the government transferred ownership of all private drains and sewers in England to local water companies. As a result, Northumbrian Water (NWL) assumed responsibility for an estimated 13,500 km of additional wastewater pipes. Information on this historic infrastructure was extremely limited.

Challenges

Although very little information was available for the newly transferred assets, it was essential for NWL to understand the network. Without good knowledge, they would find it difficult to meet regulatory targets for customer service and to plan effective maintenance and investment.

The initial approach was to deploy traditional survey techniques, with an estimated cost of £10 million in the first 5 years and an estimated 15 years to complete.

Solutions

NWL explored the options for a digital solution and asked potential suppliers to use a well mapped section of the existing network to model where pipes should be. This was scored against an area that was already mapped and 1Spatial’s solution built with 1Integrate scored the highest.

We used available information to create a set of data rules to infer the missing information and worked closely with NWL experts to test and tweak the rules.

For example, a property of a certain age, type and location would likely have a sewer of a particular type and location. The rules took into account information to infer location construction, direction of flow and usage.

Results

The £1.25 million cost reflects an 87% saving over the 5-year cost and the digital approach had the network mapped in 1/8th of the time. This allowed NWL to reach its goals quicker and better their customer service and make more informed investments.

One of the key benefits of the inference was for NWL customers to get to resolution quicker by knowing the possible sources of their issues.

“Working with 1Spatial on a day to day basis is great. The consultant to consultant relationships are excellent and we really enjoy sharing ideas and being innovative.”

Andrew Hopkins
GIS and Positioning Technical Consultant, Northumbrian Water

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