PHOENIX (AZFamily) — The water you drink and use in Phoenix is now being monitored by cutting-edge AI technology, setting a new precedent in urban management.

The city has implemented this innovative technology to target and curb pollution originating from various businesses that improperly dispose of chemicals into the water system.

Assistant Water Services Director Nazario Prieto explained, ‘It sends a message to our staff, allowing us to determine whether to dispatch inspectors for on-site evaluations.’

Phoenix’s sewer system, sprawling over 5,000 miles, is now under the vigilant watch of these high-tech sensors. Prieto emphasized, ‘Our goal is to prevent harmful substances that could disrupt treatment processes or damage infrastructure from entering the sewer.’

Previously, tracking down pollutants was a labor-intensive process handled by a 15-person team, but with the new technology, it takes mere minutes for sensors to pinpoint the source of contamination.

‘Some of these devices even come equipped with samplers,’ Prieto added, highlighting the efficiency these sensors bring to the monitoring process.

Though newly adopted, the technology has already delivered promising results. Prieto noted, ‘We have had about three or four incidents where we detected concerning substances. For instance, we located a nickel in the sewer system and identified its source promptly.’

When violations occur, the city prefers to engage with businesses through education first, explaining permissible disposal practices. Continued violations, however, could result in significant fines or loss of city permits.