The Ridgewood Post reports on Veolia’s deployment of drones and AI to save 3 billions gallons of water in New Jersey.
Veolia North America, which provides drinking water to more than 800,000 residents in Bergen and Hudson counties, is revolutionizing leak detection in New Jersey’s aging water infrastructure. By using drones equipped with thermal imaging and integrating artificial intelligence (AI), Veolia has saved over 3 billion gallons of treated water in recent years—water that would have otherwise leaked before reaching customers.
Why Drone Technology is a Game-Changer for Leak Detection
New Jersey’s water infrastructure is old—some pipes date back to the late 1800s. A 2018 state report noted that New Jersey American Water, the state’s largest water utility, had 8,700 miles of pipes, with 15% over 100 years old. The Natural Resources Defense Council once estimated that 130 million gallons of treated water are lost daily in New Jersey—enough to fill the Empire State Building every two days.
AI Speeds Up the Process
Veolia is now integrating artificial intelligence into its inspection programs. AI software compares historical and current drone imagery to quickly flag changes, reducing:
- 4-hour manual inspections down to just 1 hour
- Human error in identifying potential risks
This AI-driven approach allows Veolia to respond faster to issues and extend the lifespan of critical infrastructure.
Why It Matters
- Conservation: Reducing water loss saves valuable natural resources.
- Cost savings: Preventing leaks is far cheaper than emergency repairs.
- Reliability: Stable water pressure improves public safety and fire response.
- Sustainability: Modern technology helps extend the life of century-old infrastructure.
Veolia’s proactive strategy shows how smart technology can solve long-standing water infrastructure challenges—ensuring cleaner, safer, and more reliable water for New Jersey residents.
Read the full story here.