SewerBall: The Rolling Innovation Detecting Hidden Sewer Problems — And Why the US Market Hasn’t Seen It Yet
When you hear “sewer ball,” you might think of some messy clog deep underground. But the SewerBall developed by SUEZ is no obstruction — it’s a remarkable piece of technology that could reshape how we manage our sewer systems.
This small, sensor-equipped sphere silently rolls through sewer networks, detecting leaks, infiltration, and structural anomalies that traditional inspection methods often miss.
And next week, this technology will be showcased in Tahiti — where BCG’s founder will be on-site to witness the SewerBall in action.
What Is SewerBall?
The SewerBall is a passive, wireless sensor sphere designed to travel with the flow of wastewater. Inside, it carries:
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Pressure sensors
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Acoustic sensors
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Location tracking
As it rolls, SewerBall collects detailed data on:
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Leaks and infiltration — groundwater entering the sewer, driving up treatment costs.
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Exfiltration — wastewater escaping and potentially polluting groundwater.
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Structural anomalies — such as cracks or deformations in pipes.
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Illegal connections or unexpected changes in flow.
After retrieval, the data is analyzed to produce a precise map of the sewer’s condition — empowering utilities to proactively address issues.
Why It Matters
Aging sewer networks are a growing challenge worldwide. Infiltration and exfiltration can cost utilities millions annually and pose serious environmental risks.
SewerBall offers:
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Non-intrusive inspections — no need to shut down pipes.
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Broad coverage — able to survey long stretches in a single pass.
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Detection of invisible problems that cameras or manual inspections might miss.
Tahiti Deployment: A Global Demonstration
Next week, BCG’s founder will travel to Tahiti to observe SewerBall in a live deployment. This will provide firsthand insight into how this innovative tool is helping island communities manage their limited water resources and protect sensitive environments.
It’s an exciting demonstration of how digital tools can empower even remote regions to modernize their infrastructure.
An Interesting Gap in the US Market
Here’s where things get even more interesting. Veolia, which recently acquired SUEZ’s former US operations, has not yet deployed SewerBall in the US market — and was reportedly unaware of the technology prior to the acquisition.
Given the scale of US sewer infrastructure challenges — and the billions spent annually on maintenance — the absence of SewerBall in the US raises questions. Not controversy, but curiosity.
It also highlights how SUEZ has retained intellectual property and innovation leadership in this space. SewerBall remains a flagship European/Global solution, not yet licensed or introduced in Veolia’s new US portfolio.
Looking Ahead
As cities push toward smarter, more resilient infrastructure, technologies like SewerBall represent an enormous opportunity:
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Reduce treatment costs and unnecessary pumping.
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Prevent sewer overflows and environmental violations.
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Optimize capital improvement plans based on precise data.
One hopes it’s only a matter of time before this game-changing tool reaches wider markets — including the US.
In the meantime, next week’s demonstration in Tahiti will no doubt inspire further conversations about how we manage the unseen lifelines of our cities — and how innovation can help us do it better.
If you’d like to learn more:
about the SewerBall technology or upcoming demonstrations, reach out to BCG — we’d be happy to share insights and explore how this innovation can support your infrastructure goals