Wastewater Treatment Facilities

Drone Services for Wastewater Treatment Facilities

The use of drones to monitor sewage treatment facilities is becoming more widespread, according to a report from the Association of Sewerage Agencies (ASA). Water utility managers can use them to survey their systems more efficiently and affordably. With aerial photos and video, plant managers can accurately view their utility’s elevated water tanks and hard-to-reach areas.

One of the most common problems in wastewater facilities is overflowing basins that, if left unchecked, can cause harm to the environment and human health. Drone technology helps improve water quality by monitoring facilities more effectively and accurately to help reduce overflows of raw sewage into nearby bodies of water.

One of the most critical and challenging industries for drone technology is wastewater treatment. Many types of pipes and tanks need monitoring, along with multiple pumping stations and valves that must be operated manually or remotely through computer systems.
The factors mentioned above make it difficult for traditional surveillance methods like cameras mounted on towers or poles to capture enough data about these facilities.

Drones can monitor and detect leaks on water mains or sewer lines that can be costly to repair.
Reduce costs and improve plant efficiencies at wastewater treatment facilities with drone inspections, mapping, and photogrammetry services. To schedule a free consultation and quote, call us at 1-888-376-6965 or fill out the form below to get started.

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Drone-Based Treatments in Wastewater Facilities: Flushing out the Data

Using drones is especially helpful in wastewater industries, as they increase worker safety, reduce energy consumption, streamline planning, improve insight and collect samples efficiently.

Inspection

Operators must regularly inspect plants to ensure that wastewater treatment is carried out according to best practices. Drones can be used for this purpose as they provide a bird’s eye view of the whole system, allowing for easy detection of abnormalities.

Monitoring

One of the biggest challenges facing wastewater treatment facilities is keeping track of what’s happening inside the plant. If a problem arises, it’s often difficult to know exactly where it started — or how quickly it can spread.

Monitoring the lagoons for leaks, spills and overflows. Drones can fly over lagoons and identify areas where there may be water escaping from the lagoon walls, or where there may be large amounts of floating debris (such as leaves) that could lead to an overflow.
Monitoring landfills. Drones can quickly survey a landfill site, looking for areas where waste is being buried too close to the surface or improperly covered. This can help ensure that leachate doesn’t contaminate groundwater supplies.
Monitoring equipment performance. If a facility has pumps, valves or other mechanical devices that require regular maintenance, drones can inspect them remotely and determine if they need servicing or replacement before they fail.

Leak Detection

One of the most common problems with wastewater treatment plants is leakage from pipes or other components, which can cause severe problems for humans and the environment. Leak detection using drones can help save both time and money, which would otherwise have been spent on repairing damaged equipment or cleaning up spills due to leakages.

Maintenance

Drones are used for maintenance by inspecting areas such as tanks, pipes, pumps, etc., where it would otherwise be difficult or dangerous for humans to go. Many facilities are in remote areas, so using UAVs makes it possible to survey these structures for more frequent inspections.

Improve Testing Process

Drones collect data for water testing within hours compared to traditional methods, which can take weeks. Based on the data, operators can determine where improvements need to be made to comply with government regulations. The real-time insights enhance treatment plants’ efficacy and help avoid failures and disasters.

3D Mapping and Photogrammetry

Plant managers gain important information with highly detailed 3D maps and use photogrammetry for better site surveying. The insights gathered can improve plant management and training purposes.

How Drones are Changing Wastewater Treatment

We provide comprehensive aerial photography and videography services to numerous industries, expanding the reach of our image capturing services far beyond marketing and media.

Increased Safety

Drones enhance the safety and health of wastewater operators and citizens as they allow for more regular inspections and diminish the risks of conducting inspections. They help detect abnormalities quicker to prevent detrimental health concerns.

3D Plant Modeling

Drones provide complete documentation and drawings of wastewater treatment facilities to help management teams better understand the state of existing facilities.

More Inspections and Maintenance

Drone technology allow more frequent water tower inspections that provide actionable condition assessments. Drones help maintenance teams plan maintenance with fewer site visits and help engineering teams plan repairs and modifications.

Monitor Remotely

Drones with infrared cameras allow scientists, employees of water services companies and government officials to monitor water areas from a distance.