Local · Trusted · Free
The Morning Impact — your neighborhood's most important stories, delivered every morning.
Houston will now use artificial intelligence to detect leaks and other issues with its pipes.
What happened?
Houston City Council passed a purchase order without discussion April 22 for $2.2 million to use services offered by FiberSense US, a technology company specializing in distributed fiber optic sensors.
For three years, the service will use machine learning and AI for intrusion, pipe bursts and leak detection through sensor technology.
How it works
FiberSense US will provide comprehensive monitoring and protection to help the city “proactively manage critical infrastructure," according to the agenda item.
FiberSense delivers this service by capturing raw acoustic signals generated by real-world physical events, such as vehicle movements, construction activity, ground disturbances, leaks or impacts, using its sensing technology, according to the agreement. Continuous monitoring helps identify leaks, bursts, unusual flow conditions, excavation activity and mobility-related disturbances earlier and with greater accuracy.
Early detection reduces repair costs, minimizes service disruptions, extends asset life and improves public safety, city officials said.
What else?
Community Impact reached out to the city regarding an implementation timeline, but did not receive a reply by press time.
