Data Visualization

​Utility data offers valuable insights into operational performance and resource management. However, to fully comprehend and effectively leverage this data, accessible and intuitive data visualization is essential. When presented in a clear, actionable manner, data empowers utilities to optimize operational efficiency and drive financial improvement.

Fors Utility, a multi utility servicing 200,000 consumers based in Denmark, recently encountered a significant water loss issue. They discovered that one of their water treatment plants was supplying 50% more water than what was being billed to consumers—a figure far exceeding their 10% “acceptable” water loss threshold. This indicated a major leak in the system, prompting the use of traditional inspection methods.

Both our team and external vendors were dispatched to locate the problem, but despite multiple attempts, the leak remained undetected.

This type of work incurred significant costs, as it had to be performed overnight to avoid disrupting consumers during peak water usage hours.

Fors Utility’s wastewater department was simultaneously responding to an issue stemming from excess wastewater discharge from the plant into an overflow. This treatment facility receives wastewater from the same area affected by the break in the water main.

Comparing this challenge to the issue of major water loss in the same area, it became evident that water from the leak could be flowing directly into the sewer system, thereby contributing to the treatment plant overflow.

After traditional inspection methods failed to locate the leak, Fors Utility turned to the APX^® platform’s data visualization capabilities to analyze pump data effectively.

With the help of APX^®, we quickly narrowed down the affected area by eliminating over 50 percent of the supply zone.

APX^®’s Inflow & Infiltration module allowed Fors Utility to focus their search in specific catchment areas where an unusually high wastewater flow was detected, significantly reducing the time and resources needed for investigation while streamlining the subsequent operational efforts.

The platform also enabled real-time insights, meaning they could perform the detective work during the day by tracking water in the sewer, rather than resorting to labor-intensive night shifts. With these insights, they localized the leak and repaired it shortly after.

The integration of the APX^® platform not only facilitated a swift resolution to the leak detection, but also demonstrated the critical role of data visualization in enhancing operational efficiency. By transforming complex data into actionable insights, Fors Utility is better equipped to tackle future challenges, ultimately ensuring more reliable drinking water and wastewater services for the community.