The Immokalee Water and Sewer District was set up in 1978 to provide affordable, reliable water and sewer services to Immokalee, an unincorporated area of Collier County, Florida. The district operates and maintains the water and sewer plants and systems as an Independent Special District of the State of Florida, serving more than 24,000 year-round residents.
Challenge
Florida experiences extreme weather events and has seen changes in residential water use, which more than doubles as the population swells during the six months of harvest season. In response to these challenges, Immokalee Water & Sewer District aimed to integrate potable water distribution, wastewater collection, and treatment systems into a single, comprehensive water management solution.
In this context, the project’s objectives were to enhance operational efficiency, streamline emergency response capabilities, and adapt water management to shifts in demand during the year. The district was also looking to improve customer service, maintain affordability, and increase transparency.
Solution
The district partnered with Xylem to deploy over 7,200 ally® smart residential water meters, supported by the Sensus FlexNet® communication network. This enabled remote metering and enhanced emergency response capabilities, such as remotely shutting off meters and re-pressurizing the water system during hurricane season.
The Xylem Vue platform was also implemented to securely integrate data from multiple sources, such as the communication network, the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition System, and a variety of weather sources, into a single platform.
Outcomes
The client centralized and integrated data from smart meters, SCADA systems, and weather sources into the Xylem Vue platform. This real-time information has empowered district staff to make informed decisions, respond quickly to operational changes, track water pressure and quality, and detect leaks early, minimizing water losses and reducing costs.
The project, which received state funding, balances technological advancements with the district’s commitment to maintaining affordable water rates, ensuring long-term benefits for the community, and enhanced transparency for its customers. The specialized distributor Core & Main also participated in the project, bringing its on-the-ground expertise.