RH Borden shared how BasinIQ target basin monitoring, SL-RAT spot-cleaning, and portable Sense Level sensors help utilities track I&I at the WEF/WEAT conference in Houston.
Last week, the RH Borden team attended the WEF/WEAT Collection Systems and Stormwater Conference in Houston, joining wastewater professionals from across the country to share insights, challenges, and solutions for today’s collection systems.
The main topic on everyone’s mind? Inflow and Infiltration (I&I).
Utilities nationwide are working to address I&I, and we had excellent conversations about how target basin monitoring can accelerate I&I tracking. Many attendees were excited to learn how BasinIQ helps focus and enhance existing programs like CCTV, smoke testing, and flow monitoring, making these efforts more effective.
At the booth, overcleaning of PVC pipes was another hot topic. Many cities are interested in reducing traditional full-system jet cleaning by using tools like the SL-RAT for rapid assessments and spot-cleaning PVC lines, saving time, water, and operational costs.
There was also a buzz from Wisconsin to Texas about “portable monitors” and “micro-meters.” No matter what you call them, Sense Level monitors can track wet weather impacts and rainfall intensities, and many utilities are seeing their potential to improve system modeling and response.
Doug, attending for the first time, noted how valuable the workshops were in building relationships and how seeing new contacts on the exhibit floor made conversations easier. Events like the WEF/WEAT Conference are essential for like-minded professionals to learn from each other and improve wastewater management systems.
We’re grateful for the opportunity to connect with so many leaders in the industry, and we’re excited to continue helping utilities advance their I&I reduction goals.
By Colton Stewart and Doug Peterson, RH Borden Texas Account Managers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is target basin monitoring, and how does it speed up I&I tracking?
Target basin monitoring focuses sensor deployment on specific sub-basins rather than an entire system at once, and when paired with BASINiQ, it helps utilities accelerate how quickly they can locate and confirm I&I sources.
Does BASINiQ replace tools like CCTV, smoke testing, or flow monitoring?
No. BASINiQ is designed to focus and enhance existing programs like CCTV, smoke testing, and flow monitoring, helping utilities get more targeted results from the inspection methods they already use.
How can the SL-RAT help reduce unnecessary pipe cleaning costs?
The SL-RAT allows utilities to move away from full-system jet cleaning toward rapid, targeted assessments, so crews can spot-clean PVC lines that actually need it and save time, water, and operational costs.
What are portable monitors or micro-meters, and what do they track?
Portable monitors, sometimes called micro-meters or Sense Level monitors, track wet weather impacts and rainfall intensity across a system, helping utilities improve system modeling and response to storm events.
Why does RH Borden attend conferences like WEF/WEAT?
Events like this give our team the chance to connect directly with utility professionals nationwide, share what’s working in I&I reduction, and keep learning from the industry so we can keep improving how we support our customers.
