Yorkshire Water is progressing a £53 million programme to modernise its wastewater network through the large-scale deployment of smart monitoring technologies. The initiative aims to install more than 92,000 sewer monitoring devices by 2030, supporting efforts to reduce pollution, prevent sewer flooding, and enhance service reliability.
The rollout includes 45,000 customer sewer alarms (CSAs), 27,000 sewer level monitors (SLMs), and 20,000 replacement units. Since implementation began in June 2025, more than 8,500 level monitors and 8,000 customer alarms have already been deployed across the region, marking steady progress towards the long-term target.
At the core of the programme is the Intelligent Risk and Insight System (IRIS), which combines network telemetry with advanced analytics to support a transition from reactive to predictive operations. Sensors installed across high-risk areas continuously measure sewer levels and transmit data to a central platform, where it is analysed alongside environmental variables such as rainfall, river flows, and groundwater conditions.
Using machine learning techniques, the system identifies deviations from expected hydraulic behaviour and generates early warnings of potential issues, including blockages, surcharge events, and failures in pumping infrastructure. Hyper-local rainfall modelling enhances forecasting accuracy by linking precipitation patterns with real-time network response at asset level. This enables operators to prioritise interventions based on risk and act before incidents escalate.
IRIS also contributes to the development of a digital twin of the sewer network, offering a more precise and dynamic representation of underground conditions. Improved data quality and visualisation tools support faster decision-making and more efficient field operations.
All sensor data is analysed using artificial intelligence provided by StormHarvester, which integrates multiple datasets to generate predictive insights. In parallel, the utility’s ‘predict to protect’ programme, delivered in partnership with Samotics, applies Electrical Signature Analysis (ESA) to monitor electromechanical assets, enabling early fault detection and condition-based maintenance.
Delivery of the monitoring infrastructure is being carried out with Detectronic, supporting the installation of thousands of devices across the network. Early results from the programme indicate improved operational efficiency, reduced reactive interventions, and enhanced environmental performance.
