New high-tech Poo-kemon ball helping to catch them all

SA Water together with its production and treatment alliance partner SUEZ is taking Pokemon Go where it has never gone before – deep into metropolitan Adelaide’s expansive underground sewer network to detect and catch ‘em all.

A trial of SUEZ’s high-tech SewerBall technology – a small sensor-packed sphere that floats freely through the network – helps locate defects and blockages in the network, meaning no Muk or Grimer is safe from detection.

The trial mapped about 10 kilometres of pipes in the metropolitan sewers network, capturing real-time data on pH, temperature and conductivity to detect any things such as infiltration or poor wastewater quality that can lead to issues like corrosion.

Unlike traditional inspection methods, the SewerBall doesn’t rely on fixed equipment or bulky gear as it can float on the sewage which is 99.9 per cent water.

SA Water Senior Manager of Infrastructure and Planning Dr Daniel Hoefel said the SewerBall trial marks an exciting step forward in sewer management.

“Deploying the SewerBall technology in Adelaide has been an innovative trial in how we inspect and maintain our wastewater infrastructure,” Daniel said.

“Being able to collect detailed, real-time data from inside the pipes helps us catch any issues earlier and with greater accuracy – whether it’s a structural defect or a pollution risk – which ultimately helps us save money and better protect the environment.

“It’s a clever solution that not only gives us a clearer view underground but also supports our commitment to protecting South Australia’s wastewater infrastructure and environment."

The trial included 6.3 kilometres of monitoring sewer main infiltration and inflows using SewerBall sensors, 3.5 kilometres of high-resolution camera inspections, and the installation of 4 static monitoring stations.

Combined, these methods gave SA Water’s wastewater team a detailed picture of the network’s health.

Key outcomes included the identification of 3 major root intrusions at Wigley Reserve in Glenelg North, a ruptured pipe slope on Hutley Street in Osborn, and signs of illegal industrial discharge at both Wigley and Wingfield.

On Old Grand Junction Road, the SewerBall also accurately pinpointed a known discharge location that did not require further work.

SUEZ Director of New Network Technologies Régis Saugey said the SewerBall’s mobility and data analytics offer water utilities a powerful tool for proactive network management.

“Results from the Adelaide trial highlight how SewerBall can detect hard-to-find defects and pollution sources that might otherwise remain hidden,” Régis said.

Findings from the trial will go to Professor Oak for further evaluation – and be reviewed by SA Water.