Municipalities are increasingly turning to drone technology to enhance sewer system inspections. Traditionally, inspecting sewer lines required time-consuming and labor-intensive methods, often involving confined space entry and manual checks. However, drones equipped with high-definition cameras and sensors are offering a new solution.

These unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) can be deployed over sewer infrastructure to detect surface defects, sinkholes, and even potential signs of inflow and infiltration (I&I). Paired with advanced imaging and GPS capabilities, drone inspections provide real-time data. This data can be shared directly with maintenance teams, allowing for quicker response times.

Drone inspections not only improve safety by reducing the need for human entry into hazardous environments, but they also help municipalities save money by reducing labor costs. As regulations around drone use continue to evolve, more municipalities are expected to adopt this technology.