Case Studies

Utility Sealing Services, Inc.

PRECISE DATA FOR CITY WATER RESOURCES

USSI helps cities save

Situation

USSI (Utility Sealing Systems Inc. of Venice, FL) provides services to cities across the USA, helping them detect and prevent rainwater and groundwater inflow from entering their wastewater collection systems. This additional water causes significant spending for treatment in their water treatment facilities – amounting to millions of dollars. USSI has found the main entry points of this inflow are the lateral lines and manhole structures. USSI’s patented technology effectively seals these collection systems; however, finding all the defects, inspecting and addressing them, then providing an accurate report on the system, its condition and structure locations was an extremely time-consuming effort.

Application

USSI deployed a FAST solution from GeoAge to add the real-time data collection, assessment, reporting and mapping components to their projects – speed and accuracy. Within a month after its order and with one day of team training, USSI fielded FAST. On a recent project in Punta Gorda, FL, USSI sealed each manhole chimney in a designated area, completed a FAST data capture form, attached a precise GPS location, attached a digital photo – before and after their sealing work – and provided a thorough and accurate report to Punta Gorda officials. All this was completed in much less time, and with much more confidence in the report data.

Results

“Before FAST, we had a paper-based system … meaning we created new reports on each manhole,” noted Lloyd Wander, USSI’s president. “When information was lost, had to re-assess and add lots of unnecessary labor costs.” FAST further enabled USSI to produce large detailed reports very quickly. “It’s a great advantage for our customers, and for USSI,” said Mr. Wander. “We believed that technology could offer a more efficient and higher quality process. And that’s just what FAST has done”. With their new data capture, data accuracy and rapid report capability, USSI today focuses on applying its patented technology; helping cities protect critical water resources and manage their budgets more effectively.