Innovative Sewer Infiltration Detection with SewerBall® for Severn Trent Water

Facing widespread infiltration within their sewer network in Shropshire and Staffordshire, Severn Trent Water needed a reliable, fast, and minimally disruptive method to:

• Detect sources of groundwater infiltration (inflow and infiltration, I/I)
• Identify illegal industrial discharge points
• Inspect extensive pipework with detailed wastewater and pipe condition data
  
  

Traditional inspection techniques were time-consuming and often intrusive, delaying timely interventions and risking network inefficiency.

In January 2025, Severn Trent Water partnered with SUEZ to deploy the SewerBall®, a cutting-edge, free-floating autonomous device equipped with advanced sensors designed for comprehensive sewer pipe network analysis.

Key features include:

 

• Precise detection and localization of sewer infiltration (I/I) hotspots
• Identification and mapping of illegal and industrial discharge points
• Visual inspections delivering data on pipe conditions without disrupting service
• Control and monitoring of combined sewer overflows (CSOs)
• Rapid data collection enabling timely decision-making

 

This innovative technology allowed the client to perform extensive inspections more efficiently and effectively than traditional methods.

 

The trial proved a resounding success, with SewerBall® technology delivering inspections up to three times faster than conventional approaches. Key outcomes included:

 

• Identification of 24 intrusion points indicating sewer infiltration using the SewerBall® Mini
• Validation and precise localization of 20 key infiltration points over 876 meters using the SewerBall® Camera
• Detection of critical structural issues, including cracks and three previously unknown drain connections
• Deployment of nine SewerBall® Extended Energy fixed stations to monitor sub-catchments, pinpointing three inflow-contributing sub-catchments and one likely industrial discharge source

 

These insights empowered Severn Trent Water to prioritise maintenance, improve network efficiency, and reduce risks associated with infiltration and illegal discharges.

​To find out more about this case study download the document below.

Contact us today to learn how the SUEZ SewerBall® can deliver precise, fast, and actionable insights for your wastewater infrastructure.