This YouTube video from “The Groundwater Guy” explores 20 ways AI can benefit small water utilities (serving under 3,000 connections) by improving processes and management. While applicable to any water utility, the presentation focuses on solutions for smaller systems. The suggestions range from boosting operational efficiency and customer service to enhancing regulatory compliance. A bonus tip at the end addresses …
We’ve all seen it: the wildly varying quality of utility locate reports. This isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s a massive drain on project budgets and a significant risk to safety. While the safety argument is crucial, let’s talk about the bottom line. Standardized utility locate reports aren’t just good practice; they’re a smart business move that unlocks hidden profits and …
“It takes leadership to improve safety.” – Jackie Stewart Here’s the top 10 stories from the utlity and damage prevention sectors in the last 7 days: Transforming Facilities, Utilities, and Infrastructure Through Geospatial Innovation: READ Minimizing Human Error: READ Tallahassee underground utilities one part of curbing power outages: READ Energy Dominance (Already) Starts at the DOE: READ CenterPoint proposes $5.75B …
D’oh! Homer Simpson’s nuclear mishaps, while comedic, highlight a fundamental truth: humans make mistakes. While hopefully none of our errors lead to a glowing green briefcase, the reality is that in critical infrastructure, human error poses a significant and persistent threat. These essential systems are the lifeblood of modern society, yet even with sophisticated technology and rigorous protocols, a single …
“The impact of protecting underground utilities goes beyond preventing damage; it’s a vital part of ensuring safety and environmental well-being.”Welcome to this edition of Utility Alert, featuring the top 10 stories from the past week.” Risk vs. Reward: The TELUS Damage Prevention Experiment: READ Map utilities with Teledyne Construction’s UPAC Attachment: READ DroneDeploy Accelerates Construction of Critical U.S. Al Infrastructure …
TELUS, has taken a bold step in transitioning its damage prevention strategy. In provinces that allow it, TELUS now responds to locate requests by providing automated map packages rather than conducting traditional physical locates. This shift has significant cost-saving implications for the company, but it also raises questions about risk, accuracy, and responsibility. To me it’s kind of similar to …
“An incident is just the tip of the iceberg, a sign of a much larger problem below the surface.” – Don Brown Here’s the top 10 stories from the last week: Lawsuit: Cleveland workers didn’t ‘Call Before You Dig,’ damaged natural gas lines: READ An integrated future for pipeline protection: READ Water main break turns Detroit streets to ice amid …
Rupturing a gas line isn’t just an expensive inconvenience; it poses a serious risk to life and property. Greer CPW, a utility company serving Upstate South Carolina, reported a concerning number of damaged lines last year, highlighting the need for greater awareness about damage prevention. The good news is that such incidents are largely avoidable. Homeowners and contractors alike can …
This video showcases a landscaping project in a private yard to address drainage issues with the installation of a new catch basin and culvert pipe. Key points include: Catch Basin Installation: Steps involved in modifying and installing the basin and 12-inch pipes. Utility Challenges: Managing mismarked utilities, emergency utility re-marks, and safely exposing fiber optic and telephone lines using …
Imagine the disruption: a sudden power outage affecting hundreds of homes, a gas leak forcing evacuations, or worse, a worker injured by an electrical strike. These are the real-world consequences of hitting underground utility lines, and they happen far too often. A recent report from PG&E paints a stark picture: nearly 1,300 such incidents occurred in their service area in …