Artificial intelligence is transforming how cities understand and manage their underground water infrastructure.

In this episode, Eric Sullivan of SewerAI explains how computer vision and the cloud are revolutionizing the inspection and maintenance of wastewater systems.

Technology automatically detects and classifies defects in sewer pipes using AI models trained on hundreds of millions of feet of inspection data—cutting time, cost, and human error. Sullivan describes how this shift allows field crews to focus on safety and efficiency while enabling engineers to make faster, data-driven repair decisions.

With real-time data syncing and benchmarking across hundreds of systems, utilities can now monitor conditions continuously, prioritize investments, and demonstrate performance improvements over time.

As Sullivan shares, the integration of big data, AI, and affordable camera technologies is making pipe inspection smarter, faster, and more accessible—reshaping the future of water infrastructure management beneath our streets.

Learn more about SewerAI

waterloop is a nonprofit news outlet exploring solutions for water sustainability.

Orange County shows how water recycling moves from idea to impact—linking history, science, and workforce to make reuse mainstream.

At Irvine Ranch Water District, Paul Cook explains how a simple visual breakthrough—the now-iconic purple pipe—was created in the 1980s to clearly mark recycled water and build public trust, a standard that spread across California and the world.

At Orange County Water District’s Groundwater Replenishment System, Mehul Patel traces the lineage from Water Factory 21 to today’s 130-MGD advanced purification that protects a coastal aquifer, pushes back seawater intrusion, and supplies enough water for about a million people. Research and innovation lead the way: Megan Plumley spotlights OCWD’s lab and pilots tackling energy use in RO, improving membranes and spacers, and continuously monitoring for PFAS, microplastics, and other emerging contaminants—evidence that potable reuse is built on decades of science, not slogans.

The future depends on people as much as plants. At Moulton Niguel Water District, Joone Kim-Lopez lays out the skills needed for direct potable reuse—high-level certification, data literacy, and creativity—while sharing how partnerships with colleges are creating new training pathways.

This episode is part of The Golden State of Reuse, a series exploring the past, present, and future of water recycling across California, showcasing the people and projects redefining how water is used again and again.

The series is a collaboration with WateReuse California and sponsored by CDM Smith.

The series is also supported by the Sacramento Area Sewer District, Black & Veatch, and Monterey One Water.

waterloop is a nonprofit news outlet exploring solutions for water sustainability.

Annabelle Rayson’s journey into water science began on the shores of Lake Huron and has grown into an award-winning pursuit of global impact.

A student at Harvard University and winner of the 2022 Stockholm Junior Water Prize, Annabelle shares how her childhood curiosity about the Great Lakes evolved into groundbreaking research and real-world problem solving. She describes her innovative “Plankton Wars” project—using native zooplankton to reduce harmful algal blooms—and how it earned her international recognition.

Annabelle also reflects on her internship at Xylem’s Reservoir Center, where she worked on projects spanning water quality monitoring, nutrient sensing, and community engagement. From studying methane emissions in wetlands to investigating heavy metals in drinking water, her story captures the next generation of scientific leadership and passion driving solutions for clean, sustainable water worldwide.

This episode is a collaboration with the Reservoir Center in Washington, D.C. where waterloop is the media partner.

waterloop is a nonprofit news outlet exploring solutions for water sustainability.