Southern Water uses AI to cut sewer floods
Even small amounts of fat and wipes can cause major blockages, but AI is keeping the system flowing.
AI used in the sewer system has helped prevent homes in West Sussex from flooding, Southern Water has confirmed. The system was able to detect a fatberg in East Lavington before it caused damage.
The AI monitors sewer flow patterns and distinguishes between regular use, rainfall and developing blockages. On 16 June, digital sensors flagged an anomaly—leading teams to clear the fatberg before wastewater could flood gardens or homes.
‘We’re spotting hundreds of potential blockages before it’s too late,’ said Daniel McElhinney, proactive operations control manager at Southern Water. AI has reduced internal flooding by 40% and external flooding by 15%, the utility said.
Around 32,000 sewer level monitors are in place, checking for unusual flow activity that could signal a blockage or leak. Blocked sewers remain the main cause of pollution incidents, according to the company.
‘Most customers don’t realise the average sewer is only the size of an orange,’ McElhinney added. Even a small amount of cooking fat, combined with unflushable items, can lead to fatbergs and serious disruption.
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