en.Wedoany.com Report on Mar 28th, The Emerald Coast Utilities Authority (ECUA) in Escambia County, Florida, USA, is employing advanced open-channel flow monitoring technology to address inflow and infiltration issues within its sewer system. The utility serves approximately 90,000 customers and manages nearly 900 miles of gravity mains, 300 miles of force mains, about 35,000 manholes, and 400 lift stations. Due to high rainfall and aging infrastructure, ECUA faces frequent risks of sewer overflows. Mark Evan Robertson, ECUA's Wastewater Infrastructure Manager, stated: "Tracking rainfall inflow is critical for us, as we are in one of the highest rainfall regions in the continental United States. Monitoring inflow helps us precisely identify leak areas and narrow down investigation scope."
ECUA partnered with Badger Meter to deploy eight Raven Eye 2 flow meters equipped with ultrasonic level sensors for real-time monitoring of sewage levels and preventing overflows. The Raven Eye 2 is a non-contact radar flow meter that provides accurate flow data and reduces maintenance needs. Robertson noted: "These devices can detect minute flows, making them ideal for our small catchment areas." Additionally, ECUA installed RG-32A rain gauge loggers, which, combined with lift station data, are analyzed via remote monitoring software to help operators quickly respond to anomalies.
During a recent 4-inch rainfall event, five lift stations triggered high-water alarms. ECUA deployed level monitors for a month-long tracking effort, replacing traditional smoke testing methods. Robertson explained: "By positioning the devices, we only need to test a few hundred feet of pipe sample instead of miles, saving time and resources." In one case, ECUA identified six to eight lateral break points where water was entering the sewer system, eliminating the need for large-scale testing.
ECUA is developing a Collection System Action Plan to meet regulatory requirements for flow monitoring. Robertson emphasized: "We can utilize these devices for pipe inspections and gradually expand monitoring coverage." Trend reports help users prioritize investigating areas with the highest rate of change, reducing response times to inflow and infiltration events. ECUA is also installing Beluga submersible flow meters in larger trunk mains, paired with RU-35 data loggers, for comprehensive monitoring and analysis.
Next, ECUA will track rainfall inflow data in a rehabilitation project area, comparing pre- and post-rehabilitation datasets to assess system effectiveness. Robertson concluded: "The ultimate goal is to repair all inflow issues and continuously monitor flows to identify new problems." The application of this flow monitoring technology is expected to enhance the operational efficiency and reliability of ECUA's sewer system.
