Dedication to innovation

Everyone knows you’re supposed to keep water and technology far away from each other, but when it comes to SAWS’ dedication to water innovation, the two pair perfectly together. As a technological leader among city water utilities, SAWS is constantly searching for new and inventive ways for technology to help secure a source of plentiful, high-quality water for the people of San Antonio—for today and for generations.

Explore a few of the ways SAWS uses sophisticated technology to protect infrastructure, test water quality, save water, and plan for the future.

PipeDiver

The PipeDiver Condition Assessment Platform is used to assess the health of a pipe and its remaining useful life. Not only is this a safer option for large-diameter pipe inspection because it prevents the need for a technician to enter the pipe, but it is also more efficient, as the pipe doesn’t need to be emptied of water to be inspected.

SmartBall

SmartBall is a leak detection system that requires no service disruptions and can run for 16-18 hours at a time. The ball is placed into the pipe and, as it rolls through, documents issues such as pipeline leaks and gas pockets. It can even detect a leak as small as .028 gallons/minute!

San Antonio Water System

SmartBall

SmartBall is a leak detection system that requires no service disruptions and can run for 16-18 hours at a time. The ball is placed into the pipe and, as it rolls through, documents issues such as pipeline leaks and gas pockets. It can even detect a leak as small as .028 gallons/minute!

SmartCovers

SmartCovers use an ultrasonic sensor to read water level and flow in sewers to prevent spills and detect hydrogen sulfide, a dangerous gas often associated with sewage. Approximately 500 SmartCovers located on top of the manhole lids send proactive data every hour to SAWS.

smart covers

Water Flow Sensors

Water flow sensor devices record your water use and identify potential leaks in your system, allowing you to track your use and get peace of mind. SAWS provides a $150 cash rebate for customers buying participating flow meters that show use by minute. See if you’re eligible here.

SAWS

WaterSmart

Customers can opt-in to get detailed water-use reports with SAWS’ WaterSmart Program. A convenient dashboard compares water use to others with similar-sized households and offers recommendations if your water use is too high. SAWS customers can also use the dashboard to apply for coupons, report water waste, or apply for assistance to pay your bill.

SAWS emergency

Emergency Operations Center

SAWS Emergency Operations Center includes remote monitoring of all SAWS tanks, pumps, wells, and equipment. Our water experts can find out problems within seconds and send professionals to resolve the issue.

Technology helps keep San Antonio Waterful

As a national leader in conservation, SAWS works to identify waterful solutions all the time. A history of innovation has helped SAWS secure a reliable supply of water for generations to come and new technological advancements will continue to make conservation and water planning a success for the San Antonio area.