Smart network brings another global prize back to SA

SA Water's world-leading adoption of smart water network technology – which has already prevented around 30 water main breaks or leaks from impacting customers – has been recognised with the Customer Service Award at the Institute of Asset Management’s global awards in London.

Competing with utilities from around the world, SA Water's innovative smart water network edged out the competitors by proving the role of technology in delivering improved customer experience and satisfaction.

SA Water’s smart water network also claimed runner-up in the Project Achievement Award category.

SA Water's Chief Executive Roch Cheroux said he was thrilled the team had been recognised for their pioneering adoption of smart technology for the benefit of customers.

"We are the first water utility in the world to implement a range of Internet of Things-enabled sensors at scale within a defined geographic area, and recognition like this award provides a platform to share the knowledge we've built and improve water network management practices," Roch said.

"Awards like this are a credit to our highly capable team who developed this technology with our customers in mind, along with smart technology solutions that will continue to expand to other parts of our network across SA."

Implemented in a $4 million trial across Adelaide's Central Business District, SA Water's smart water network combines acoustic sensors, pressure and flow data, high speed transient pressure sensors, smart meters and water quality sensors to identify potential leaks and trigger intervention before leaks or breaks escalate to impact customers or commuters.

Around 300 smart meters are also being installed at residences and businesses in Penneshaw, with a further 35 pressure sensors, 19 flow meters, 120 acoustic leak detection sensors and two water quality sensors currently rolling out across Athelstone, North Adelaide and Port Lincoln.

Following the success of the technology in its water network, SA Water has now expanded its program to wastewater, with around 185 level sensors, odour detection sensors and weather stations in its wastewater network in Gawler and Stonyfell.

"The combination of technology across both types of network, a world-leading analytics platform and the expertise of our team will give us a more detailed view of our underground systems and how we can best manage them for the benefit of our customers," Roch said.

This week's award follows a number of other accolades for SA Water's smart network in 2018, including two awards at the 2018 Australian Internet of Things Awards, a bronze prize at the International Water Association's Project Innovation Awards and title of 2018 Australian Digital Utility of the Year.

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