25 May Predictive Maintenance of Sewer Networks: The Synergy Between Satellites and Field Activities
Predictive Maintenance of Sewer Networks:
The Synergy Between Satellites and Field Activities
The management of sewer networks is evolving rapidly: from a reactive approach, based on interventions after failures occur, toward predictive models capable of anticipating critical issues and optimizing maintenance activities.
This evolution has become essential due to the effects of climate change, which is intensifying weather events that now pose a significant threat to infrastructure integrity. This is especially true for gravity-based underground infrastructures such as sewer systems.
The collapse of a sewer collector is one of the most significant cost drivers for utilities, requiring emergency interventions to restore safety and operations.
In this context, the collaboration between Aquanexa and Planetek combines expertise in satellite analysis, field surveys, and digitalization to provide water utilities with more advanced tools for infrastructure monitoring and predictive maintenance.
A Synergy Between Satellite Data and Network Knowledge
The collaboration stems from the complementary expertise of two organizations:
This integration makes it possible to combine:
- continuous and wide-area territorial monitoring;
- detailed operational knowledge of infrastructure assets;
- advanced data analysis and interpretation capabilities.
The result is a structured predictive maintenance approach, where data drives decisions and interventions.
“Predictive maintenance of sewer networks requires a paradigm shift: collecting data is not enough — it must be integrated and interpreted in a structured way. The real value of this approach lies in the combination of large-scale territorial observation and precise field verification, enabling weak signals to be transformed into concrete operational decisions.” – David D’Ambrosio, CEO of Datek22 – Aquanexa
The joint service is based on an operational workflow that combines remote monitoring with on-site verification.
On one side, Planetek’s Rheticus® platform enables:
- continuous monitoring of ground deformation;
- detection of anomalies that may indicate infrastructure issues;
- analysis of the evolution of detected phenomena over time.
On the other side, Aquanexa provides specialized network analysis and inspection services:
This combination makes it possible to validate anomalies detected via satellite, identify the actual causes of critical issues, and plan targeted, prioritized interventions.
“Satellite observation enables continuous and systematic monitoring of the territory, identifying from the earliest stages environmental phenomena that may be linked to infrastructure criticalities and helping define intervention priorities. When integrated with field data and engineering expertise, this technology becomes a key tool for enabling predictive maintenance models in the water sector.” – Francesco Lacriola, Business Development Manager at Planetek
One of the key elements of the collaboration is transforming data into actionable information for utilities.
The integration between satellite monitoring and field activities allows utilities to:
- improve knowledge of network conditions;
- reduce unnecessary inspections;
- focus resources where they are truly needed;
- support maintenance planning and decision-making.
In this way, maintenance is no longer just operational, but becomes part of a more advanced and strategic network management model.
Utilities That Have Already Chosen Our Predictive Maintenance Solutions for Sewer Networks:
In these projects, Aquanexa’s integrated service supported sewer network monitoring and analysis activities, helping improve the ability to detect critical issues and making intervention planning more efficient.
A Scalable Model for the Water Sector
The developed model is designed to be replicable and scalable across different territorial contexts.
The goal is to provide utilities with:
- advanced continuous monitoring tools;
- greater control over infrastructure assets;
- practical support in reducing operational risks;
- targeted inspection activities to optimize time and costs.
In a context where networks are becoming increasingly complex, more exposed to climate change-related risks, and where resources are limited, the ability to anticipate problems represents a fundamental operational and competitive advantage.
For this reason, Aquanexa and Planetek are working to further structure and expand this approach through initiatives aimed at raising awareness among utilities about the importance of predictive maintenance.
The collaboration between Aquanexa and Planetek is a concrete example of how integrating technologies and expertise can transform sewer network management.
Shifting from a reactive to a predictive approach means improving efficiency, reducing costs, and increasing infrastructure resilience.
Would you like to understand what predictive maintenance could do for your network as well? Contact us — we will be happy to evaluate it together with you.