STORM EVENTS
AND SEWER NETWORK
UNDER STRESS
Infiltration water: an invisible yet costly enemy. In Belluno, a targeted action turned a hydraulic problem into an opportunity for structural improvement-using real data and focused interventions.
points detected
identified
using HD robotic crawler
and periscope
TOO MUCH WATER WHERE IT SHOULDN’T BE
Sewer networks are increasingly challenged by stormwater and unwanted infiltration.
These so-called ‘infiltration waters’ increase volumes to be treated, overload treatment plants, and raise operational costs.
In a climate change scenario and growing infrastructure stress, field data and accurate mapping of vulnerabilities are essential.
Leaks in the sewer system mean higher costs, less efficiency, and more stress on the sewage treatment plant.
THE PROJECT – SIB SERVIZI INTEGRATI BELLUNESI S.P.A. & AQUANEXA
MONITORING, INVESTIGATION, AND ELIMINATION OF INFILTRATION WATER IN THE SEWER NETWORK.
“Truly understanding what happens within the network is the only way to act efficiently. In this project, we applied an integrated approach that starts with data and leads to concrete intervention proposals. This is how we reduce costs, avoid waste, and enhance the resilience of the sewer system.”
David D’Ambrosio
CEO Datek22
THE CLIENT
SIB – Servizi Integrati Bellunesi S.p.A. manages the integrated water service for the province of Belluno, responsible for aqueducts, sewers, and treatment. Operating in a largely mountainous area, network efficiency is key to ensuring service continuity.
THE PROBLEM
SIB detected anomalies in the Belluno sewer network, part of the Marisiga plant. Suspecting significant infiltration water increasing load on the treatment plant, it became necessary to quantify and locate the infiltrations using a technical, targeted approach.
THE RISKS
• Higher operational and energy costs
• Stress on the treatment system
• Potential sewer overflows during heavy rainfall
• Structural inefficiencies left undetected
• Difficulty in planning interventions
• Social costs and emergency responses
THE NEED
Aquanexa was tasked with monitoring, analyzing, and diagnosing the sewer network to quantify infiltration, identify confirmed and potential sources, propose technical solutions with economic estimates, and offer a data-driven view for future planning.
AQUANEXA'S INTERVENTION
FROM ENGINEERING TO FIELD DIAGNOSTICS – AN INTEGRATED APPROACH TO SEWER NETWORK MANAGEMENT.
“The real challenge was not collecting data, but turning it into operational decisions. We built a solid technical pathway, starting from monitoring and reaching targeted actions. Minimizing unnecessary inspections and maximizing data value is where integration between engineering, data analysis, and fieldwork truly makes the difference.”
Eng. Davide Berbenni,
Head of Engineering, Datek22
Fino Mornasco (CO) office)
ENGINEERING
& FIELD EXPERTISE
Aquanexa, leveraging Datek22’s expertise, applied a multidisciplinary and integrated approach, blending advanced engineering and highly specialized field operations.
The goal was to assess the sewer network’s condition through real data, field inspections, and hydraulic modeling.
The technical team—engineers, data analysts, and trained inspectors—handled each phase with precision and professionalism, combining:
- Sewer network design and modeling
- Urban hydraulic studies
- Data analysis from monitoring systems
- Non-invasive diagnostics of pipelines
This was accompanied by technical intervention reports including cost estimates, helping plan and prioritize strategic actions.
THE PROJECT
A step-by-step, scalable method was used to assess the sewer network condition. The first phase involved designing and installing a monitoring system with 22 AV meters, 6 level sensors, and 1 rainfall monitoring unit placed at strategic points.
Continuous data was collected over three months, correlating rainfall with flow data to identify infiltration sources.
Based on the results, 400 meters of pipelines were inspected via HD crawler and periscope. The resulting data led to a detailed technical diagnosis and 11 complete intervention reports with priorities and budget estimates. Further analyses were proposed for some critical areas.
RESULTS
nfiltration points
points identified
interventions proposed
Clear
quantification
of infiltration water
New data
repository
for future planning
In operational terms, this resulted in risk mitigation benefits such as: reduced water flow to the treatment plant, improved efficiency, and decreased stress and load on the sewer discharge system.
WHAT MADE
THE DIFFERENCE
Optimization
of operational efficiency
despite over 50 critical points being identified, only 400 meters of targeted inspections were needed—avoiding unnecessary detailed investigations across several kilometers of network.
Synergy between
the operational team
and engineers:
Datek22 has an in-house division dedicated to sewer cleaning and video inspections, eliminating the need for subcontractors or third parties. Moreover, the collaboration with Aquanexa further enhances the synergy between expertise and teamwork—to the benefit of both the client and the project.
ADDITIONAL SERVICES AND SOLUTIONS AVAILABLE
“Properly integrating services along the value chain is what allows us to move from simple surveys to informed decisions. From mapping to modeling, and through to IoT and DSS systems, every component must communicate with the next. Only in this way can we achieve a complete view of the network and build a truly proactive and sustainable management system.”
Eng. Roberto Filippetti,
Head of Engineering Division,
Datek22 – Curno (BG) office
ENABLING SERVICES
In this project, the technical and operational approach was made possible thanks to a series of enabling services along the value chain, which allowed for the collection of reliable data, in-depth analysis, and accurate diagnostics of the sewer network’s condition.
INFRASTRUCTURES
& PLANTS
FURTHER DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
The value chain can evolve through a series of action-oriented services, as a natural extension of the enabling activities. These services are designed to transform collected data into concrete interventions in the field and into decision-making tools for proactive network management.
DATA MEASURING
& IOT
NETWORK
ENGINEERING
DIGITAL
PLATFORMS
PARTNERS INVOLVED
WANT TO LEARN MORE?
DO YOU HAVE A NETWORK TO ANALYZE, MANAGE, OR UPGRADE?
This intervention is just one example. Every network is different, but the method is replicable.
Discover how an integrated and scalable approach can make a difference in your operational context as well. Fill out the form below and an Aquanexa expert will get in touch with you.