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The District has been performing a pilot test of an Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) system to assist our Wastewater Collection Department in the near real time monitoring of sewer flows and critical assets in areas of concerns.

Where It All Started

In 2022, the District began researching ways to better improve the wastewater collection system regarding Inflow and Infiltration (I&I) and Sanitary Sewer Overflows (SSOs). During that time, the District was introduced to SmartCover technology which consists of sensors mounted inside of a manhole that learn to read a wastewater systems behavior between low- and high-level flows in addition to I&I. Soon after, the District decided that it wanted to conduct a pilot test by installing SmartCovers and flow meters which have been deployed since June 2023.

It was during that first stretch of the pilot program when the District began analyzing data which soon revealed that they had unauthorized discharges into their Lift Station W basin. The Wastewater Collection Department staff addressed the issue by regularly inspecting and showing up to the exact location where dumping was identified. Further data analysis over the next several weeks showed that having a presence in the area was enough to stop the illegal dumping activity.

What Does Smart Wastewater Look Like?

On August 21, 2023, the Wastewater Collection Department received an alarm indicating that there was a higher-than-normal flow level and the threshold for a potential Sanitary Sewer Overflow (SSO) had been triggered. The District’s Emergency Operations protocol was set into motion, and staff and sewer vacuum assets were deployed to respond. 

After further evaluation by field supervisors, it was determined that there was not a single blockage but rather multiple blockages that were threatening an SSO in dry weather conditions. The District quickly acted and eliminated the blockages returning the sewer basin to normal operation. 

This event provided operational intelligence of a blockage occurrence. In turn, the District applied the new threshold to the other deployed sewer basins to expedite their Emergency Operations protocol. 

It’s All in The Data

Pictured to the right is a snapshot view of an alert triggered by the first SmartCover installed within the District – which in turn sparked the idea to explore the possibility of becoming a Smart Utility.

This particular alert captured a main line back up on September 2, 2023. Technicians were able to respond to the call quickly and clear the blockage efficiently before an SSO occurred.

Pictured to the left is another snapshot view of Lift Station O which had a main line blockage between a manhole and lift station wet well on May 13, 2024. Depicted within the graph and legend are three different colors. The red line represents SmartCover O3, the blue line represents SmartCover O21, and the lack of an orange line present, representing a rain gauge, revealed that this was another dry weather event.

November 2024

Installed SmartCovers and air quality sensors to detect blockages, prevent overflows, control odors, and protect infrastructure and residents.

Late 2024 

Installed Lift Station flow meters to permanently monitor the collections system for efficiency and to ensure public health.

Early 2025

Add emergency sensors to all Lift Stations for near real-time overflow prevention and connect to a centralized emergency monitoring platform.

Early to Mid 2025

Install AMI meters and sensors for real-time updates on water usage and quality.

End of 2025 

Complete the project with storm resilient technology to enhance reliability, reduce costs, and create a smart utility system.

So, What’s Next?

Governor DeSantis approved $3.5 million via state appropriations which will fund a portion of the project, however, the District continues to seek funding for the entire project. Additionally, the District is preparing to roll out a Smart Utility program which incorporates the components of water distribution, wastewater collection and wastewater treatment systems and ties them together to give us a full picture from start to finish as water travels to the customers tap and to the end cycle at our wastewater treatment plant.

This innovative program will be the first of its kind within the United States and we're excited to be the leading utility, trailblazing the way of implementing a full-scale advanced technology system. 

Learn about the specifics of the project by reading the press release issued by Business Wire on December 11, 2024.

Click the link: Immokalee Water & Sewer District Modernizes with Xylem Digital Solutions

Watch our Fox4 interview: https://www.fox4now.com/immokalee/sewer-tech-immokalee-has-new-way-to-stop-nasty-overflows

1. What is the AMI project? The Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) Project is an initiative to design and modernize the District’s water and wastewater systems. It uses advanced technology like smart sewer level monitoring devices, sewer flow meters, smart water meters and distribution water quality sensors to monitor and manage all aspects of the system in near real-time.
2. What is our Smart Utility program? The District’s Smart Utility Program is the next phase of our modernization plan. It will integrate all the projects surrounding water treatment, water distribution, wastewater collections, and wastewater treatment systems into a unified platform, providing a complete view of operations from customers’ taps to the wastewater treatment plant. Smart Utility is simply the process of taking all the Smart Utility solutions e.g. (water AMI, wastewater AMI, water quality monitoring, water loss management, etc.) and bringing them together under a single source platform that the District can easily monitor and use to maintain the system.
3. Why did the District start this program? In 2021, the District began researching ways to address wastewater issues like Inflow & Infiltration (I&I) and Sanitary Sewer Overflows (SSOs). The introduction of SmartCover (smart sewer level monitoring devices) technology enabled the District to identify and resolve system issues and inefficiencies proactively.
4. What is SmartCover technology, and how does it help?SmartCovers are sensors installed in manholes that monitor wastewater flow and detect anomalies like blockages or unauthorized discharges. They help prevent Sewer Overflows, reduce illegal dumping, and allow the District to respond quickly to potential issues. This system operates during normal conditions but is specially designed to also work during emergency operations conditions.

   The AMI Project will improve water quality, reduce service interruptions, enhance system efficiency, and provide better tools for monitoring and managing water usage and wastewater systems.

5. What will the program include?
   • Installation of SmartCovers to monitor sewer activity.
   • Deployment of air quality sensors to create a protection system for pipes, valves and fittings.
   • Installation of sewer flow meters and emergency level monitoring at Lift Stations.
   • Installation of AMI water meters to provide real-time data on water usage, customer side leaks and water quality.
   • Installation of distribution level water quality sensors to monitor residential and commercial water quality in real-time.
   • Integration of all systems into a central monitoring and alerting platform.

6. How does this program benefit the community?
   • Better service: Quick detection and notification of customer side leaks.
   • Improved reliability: Real-time monitoring ensures fewer disruptions during storms.
   • More control: Access to real-time information on your water usage.
   • Proactive maintenance: Prevents costly repairs by addressing problems early.
   • Environmental protection: Reduce sewer overflows and enhance wastewater system operations & efficiency.
   • Cost savings: Enhanced efficiency reduces operational costs over time.
7. What funding is supporting this program? Governor DeSantis approved $3.5 million in state appropriations to expand the program. The District continues seeking additional funding to support full implementation.
8. How does this technology work during emergencies? All AMI system components provide near real-time data and alerts, allowing the District to act quickly during events like storms, blockages, line breaks or rising flow levels. This proactive approach minimizes disruptions and protects public health.
9. What are AMI water meters? AMI water meters provide real-time information about water usage and water quality. They allow customers to monitor their water use, help detect leaks and enable technicians to respond faster to issues like water main breaks.
10. What has the District learned from the pilot program? The pilot program revealed critical insights, such as the ability to identify illegal dumping, detect blockages early, and respond more effectively to emergencies. This success has laid the foundation for a full-scale rollout of our AMI project.
11. When will the program be completed? The program began in November 2024 and is expected to be fully completed by the end of 2025.
12. Will there be disruptions to my water or sewer service? The District will make every effort to minimize disruptions. If temporary interruptions are necessary, residents will be notified well in advance.
13. How can I track the progress of the project? Updates will be shared on the District’s website and at public meetings. For the latest information, you can also reach out directly via the project hotline. Email your questions or concerns to ImmokaleeWaterAMI@brizaga.com or call us at (239) 376-0312. We’re here to help!
14. How does this technology work during storms or power outages? The system uses non-harmful radio-based technology, which remains operational even during storms or power outages, ensuring uninterrupted monitoring and reliable service. This is accomplished utilizing a point-to-point network that operates on a battery backup system from the collectors that are dispersed through the District’s utility system.

15. What major phases are included in the AMI Project timeline? The project has several key phases:

    • Phase 1: Installation of Manhole level sensors and air quality monitors in the wastewater collection system, installation of sewer flow meters in every neighborhood and emergency level monitoring at Lift Stations and system integration into a centralized platform.
    • Phase 2: Installation of AMI water meters for real-time water usage and distribution water quality monitoring.
    • Phase 3: Smart Utility Integration
    • Phase 4: GIS and customer service verification
    • Phase 5: Construction closeout
16. What is the purpose of integrating the water & wastewater system into a centralized platform? A centralized platform allows technicians to monitor the entire system in near real-time, helping them detect and resolve issues quicker, especially during storm events, to ensure reliable service. The system can then be utilized by Management, Field Operations and Treatment Operators to coordinate efforts to deliver the highest level of service to the District’s customers.
17. How many Lift Stations will be updated with the new technology? All Lift Stations will receive flow meters and emergency level monitoring as part of the AMI Project.
18. How can I ask additional questions or provide feedback? You can contact the Immokalee Water and Sewer District directly through the contact information provided on their website or attend one of the public meetings held throughout the project.

To ask further questions or to receive other updates, feel free to call our dedicated project hotline at (239) 376-0312, extension 306.

You may also send an email to ImmokaleeWaterSewerAMI@Brizaga.com with questions or comments you may have.