In this episode, I talk with Steve Green, practice leader of digital water at Stanley Consultants, about how digital technology is transforming the water industry. We explore its role in addressing climate change, extreme weather, utility challenges, and its economic impact.
***The video version of this episode can be viewed here.***
Engineering Quotes:
Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Steve:
- What challenges are water utilities encountering in today’s environment with the state of the water industry?
- How do digital water technologies assist in mitigating the challenges posed by climate change and extreme weather events?
- Can you explain digital water in simpler terms for someone who isn’t familiar with the water industry or how digital technologies are used in it?
- Why is the adoption of digital water technologies often described as a journey rather than a quick, instant change?
- What are some additional benefits of adopting digital technology for water utilities?
- Apart from the digital water technologies themselves, what other important factors should a utility consider during the implementation of this technology?
- How do digital water technologies impact the affordability of utility companies?
- Can you provide a few examples of digital upgrades that water utilities have implemented recently?
- How do you use small projects to demonstrate technology’s benefits, build client value, and prepare for larger initiatives?
- What advice would you offer new engineers looking to integrate digital technologies into water management?
Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About the Ways Digital Water Technology Is Revolutionizing the Water Industry:
- The utility sector faces aging infrastructure, cybersecurity threats, water scarcity from droughts, and extreme weather. Alongside budget constraints and a shortage of skilled labor, technology is crucial for managing these complex utility operations.
- Digital technologies like SCADA systems allow utilities to monitor and control remote assets, which is essential during extreme weather events such as heatwaves, wildfires, or hurricanes. It improves operational efficiency and resilience by using data insights to optimize performance and manage risks effectively.
- Digital water management includes four main steps: using SCADA systems for remote control and data management, automating decisions with tools like Excel and Power BI, creating digital twins for predictive analysis of infrastructure, and applying data science and artificial intelligence (AI) to optimize operations and anticipate issues. This approach modernizes water management with advanced technology integration.
- Implementing digital water solutions requires building a strong foundation with accurate data and gradually integrating technologies like SCADA systems, data analytics, and digital twins to modernize water management practices tailored to specific utility needs. It’s a strategic journey that demands careful resource allocation and commitment over time to achieve sustainable operational value and resilience.
- In water and wastewater utilities, the main drivers behind decisions are resilience and efficiency. Resilience ensures the ability to bounce back from challenges, while efficiency includes cost savings, chemical reduction, emissions control, and overall economic benefits, making these priorities crucial in adopting digital solutions for utility operations.
- Success in adopting digital technology for water and wastewater utilities depends on aligning technology with people and processes. Knowing the purpose, improving processes, and assembling the right team, whether internal or through consultants, ensures successful implementation and delivers value.
- Water and wastewater utilities must prioritize their infrastructure needs, compliance requirements, and workforce readiness when adopting digital solutions. By focusing on value and leveraging proven technologies for quick wins, utilities can strategically enhance resilience and optimize operations within budget constraints.
- In a growing Montana mountain community facing wastewater challenges from population growth and festivals, a digital journey begins with modernizing the SCADA system to prepare for future optimization. Coordinating digital plans with physical upgrades will strategically transform the utility to meet evolving needs.
- Use small projects to demonstrate technology’s benefits and build client value. These projects show tangible results, increase confidence in digital solutions, and pave the way for larger initiatives.
- Start the process of digital transformation by developing a clear plan that integrates technology, people, and processes. Identify small projects to showcase the value of digital solutions and build excitement, setting the stage for larger initiatives such as implementing digital twins for optimized operations using data science.
More Details in This Episode…
About the Guest: Steve Green
Steve Green leads the digital water practice at Stanley Consultants, helping water utilities adopt new software, sensor, and data technologies that improve efficiencies and mitigate risks. Steve has spent his 25-year career in business development and project delivery roles in the water industry, helping water system owners improve their infrastructure via technology adoption and collaborative project delivery. Steve holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Bio-Resources Engineering from Montana State University and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Washington.
About the Host: Nick Heim, P.E.
Nick Heim, P.E., is a civil engineer with six years of experience in the repair and restoration of existing structures, and host of the AEC Engineering and Technology Podcast (AECTECH), where he brings valuable insights and expertise to listeners worldwide.
Nick’s interests lie at the intersection between the built world and technology, and he can be found looking for the ever-changing answer to the question, “How can we do this better?” Nick can be found on LinkedIn, producing content about the use of technologies in his civil engineering career and small business.
Sources/References:
Stanley Consultants
American Water Works Association (AWWA)
Montana State University
University of Washington
Microsoft Excel
Power BI
Simon Sinek
SCADA System
Connect with Steve Green, MBA, on LinkedIn
Send Steven an Email
This Episode Is Brought to You by Stanley Consultants
Improving Lives Since 1913. Stanley Consultants has been helping clients solve essential and complex energy and infrastructure challenges for over 110 years, completing more than 50,000 engagements in 120 countries and all 50 states and U.S. territories. Values-based and purpose-driven, Stanley is an employee-owned company of engineers, scientists, technologists, innovators, and client-service experts who are recognized for their commitment and passion to making a difference. For more information on Stanley Consultants, please visit https://www.stanleyconsultants.com.
We would love to hear any questions you might have or stories you can share on how you have found digital water technology to be revolutionizing the water industry.
Please leave your comments, feedback, or questions in the section below.
