Smart Stormwater Management Systems with Digital Solutions

Presentation Description: A strategy for managing stormwater runoff used by agencies in Southern California involves leveraging existing infrastructure in a cost-effective manner. A study conducted by Las Virgenes Municipal Water District and its project partners explores the potential of utilizing available capacity at wastewater treatment plants to capture and treat stormwater while also reducing pollutants discharged to receiving waters. The study “Tapping into Available Capacity in Existing Infrastructure to Create Water Supply and Water Quality Solutions,” promotes a One Water approach - integrating stormwater and wastewater management to generate recycled water. This strategy enhances local water supply and resiliency by employing smart, tech-enabled systems that manage stormwater holistically and sustainably, ensuring water is tracked, managed, and diverted efficiently to achieve multiple benefits.
The approach involves implementing real-time control systems to optimize the management of both wastewater and stormwater. Phase 1 (2018) of the study assessed the capacity of 21 wastewater treatment and water reclamation plants in Los Angeles County, estimating a total capacity of 1.4 million acre-feet per year. In 2017, approximately 61% of this capacity was utilized, leaving 39% untapped during the post-drought period. Phase 2 (2021) evaluated current operations of dry weather diversions (DWDs) for stormwater management and sanitary sewer systems. It explored expanding infrastructure to manage additional dry and wet weather runoff and developed a roadmap for MS4 permittees to implement or modify DWDs to capture wet weather flows. Phase 3 (ongoing) focuses on pilot projects to demonstrate the business case for optimizing DWD performance. The goal of incorporating automated real-time control systems to maximize the volume of diverted water to the sanitary sewer system is achieved through the use of Aqua DNA platform, which integrates data from multiple sources to provide real-time insights and network visibility for water utilities.
Attendees will learn about the details of this strategy, the findings, and the scope and progress of Phase 3 in optimizing system capacity. This strategy not only improves utility fund stewardship by maximizing water supply and reducing pollution, but also highlights the benefits of using smart water systems to deliver multiple integrated solutions.