AWWU: Staying Ahead of the Problem

Anchorage Water and Wastewater Utility is getting an assessment of the community's underground pipe network but using mobile robotic cameras.

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By KTVA CBS 11 News

Story Created: Sep 22, 2011 at 8:08 PM AKDT

Story Updated: Sep 22, 2011 at 8:08 PM AKDT

Beneath the streets of Anchorage lies a network of 1,500 miles of underground pipes carrying water and wastewater all over town and after more then 30 years of being in service they are growing older and worn out every year.

This fall Anchorage Water and Wastewater Utility crews are collecting data on the conditions of the pipes and manholes with the help of mobile robotic cameras.

Using state-of-the-art technology the mobile robotic cameras, called 'Solos' are assisting crews in identifying signs of stress, breaks, blockages, leaks and corrosion in the pipes.

Each robot carries two cameras, one at either end, and navigates through sewer pipes, recording 360-degree video footage of the pipe's interior with 180-degree fisheye lenses.

This new system of robotic cameras are suppose to be more efficent and faster then the manned cameras installed

AWWU officials say they hope the use of the robots will help the city save money in the long run by preventing more serious problems in the future from the data the robots collect.


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