Introduction - Bolstering water network stability with real-time detection
South East Water (SEW) is responsible for providing water utilities to over 1.8 million people across a service area of 3,600 square kilometres, ensuring the reliability and safety of the water supply. With such a vast network to manage, SEW sought to advance its ability to accurately detect leaks and anomalies, a fundamental aspect of maintaining network integrity and delivering uninterrupted service to its customers.
Challenge - Anomaly Identification and Alerts
The primary challenge involved devising an algorithmic framework and solution architecture capable of alerting system engineers to potential detect leaks and anomalies within the SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) system, a task made difficult by the need to navigate through complex dynamics of the underlying data. These included irregular signal frequencies, missing data points, change points, and external disturbances, all of which could obscure genuine anomalies indicative of leaks from normal operational fluctuations.
Project Info
Client
South East Water
Service
ML/AI
Industry
Water Utilities
Solution - Advanced Analytics for Precision Monitoring
To meet this challenge, PAG developed an integrated anomaly detection solution that features:
- Bayesian Statistical Models: Tailored and optimized to manage uncertainty and integrate prior operational insights, these models are adept at making probabilistic predictions of leaks, accommodating the network's complexity.
- Machine Learning Techniques: Leveraging historical data to uncover the nuanced patterns that signal potential anomalies, these techniques continuously improve through adaptive learning, ensuring ever-increasing accuracy in predictions.
- Dynamic Real-Time Framework: A state-of-the-art system designed for seamless integration with the existing SCADA infrastructure, providing accurate, timely alerts that enable quick and efficient responses to detected anomalies.
Outcome - Elevating Network Efficiency and Reliability
The implementation of PAG’s solution has significantly enhanced SEW’s network monitoring accuracy and efficiency. This has enabled the utility to:
- Improve its operational response to potential leaks and disturbances - Reduce environmental impact through minimized water waste, and - Cutting operational costs.
The solution has instilled greater confidence in SEW’s ability to manage its vast water network effectively.
Conclusion
This innovative application of advanced analytics not only addresses the complex challenges of utility management but also sets a new benchmark for operational excellence, environmental stewardship, and the reliability of essential services across SEW’s extensive service area.
