In a significant move to improve infrastructure and address real-world challenges, particularly in water distribution systems, Fort Myers plans to leverage artificial intelligence (AI).
Richard Moulton, Utilities Director for the City of Fort Myers, discussed that current regulations require issuing a boil water notice (BWN) when the distribution system falls below 20 PSI. Typically, water pressure drops due to a water main break or scheduled maintenance.
Issued in compliance with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) guidelines for safe drinking water, these notices have been frustrating the residents of Southwest Florida who complain about the disruption in the water system.
To address the issue, the city plans to use innovative AI-driven solutions. Jason Sciandra, Assistant Director of the Public Utilities Department for Fort Myers, highlighted, “It’s really amazing what technology can do. We’re being tasked with doing more with less, and we’ve heard that for over a decade now, but in our eyes, AI can help us do that.”
Utilizing sensors in the water distribution system will support predicting and identifying potential issues faster. This innovative approach aims to significantly shorten the duration of BWNs and limit their impact on the residents.
Sciandra emphasized, “By using this technology, we could look at the customers in our system, especially the ones we think were affected by the breaks, and send out notices to only them, instead of issuing broad boil water notices as we do today for safety purposes.”
The city also plans to invest in smart cover sensors for manholes to track water levels and provide early notifications of potential concerns.