Team Mosaic | NYC’s Aging Water Infrastructure: Challenges and Solutions

The Problem: A City at Risk

 

New York City is a marvel of engineering, a place where millions rely on a vast and intricate water system that operates mostly unseen. Every morning, as New Yorkers turn on the faucet or grab a donut and coffee from their favorite spot, they’re tapping into a network that stretches over 7,000 miles, bringing fresh water from reservoirs more than 125 miles away. But beneath the sidewalks and skyscrapers, an aging infrastructure is struggling to keep up. Pipes laid over a century ago are leaking 155 million gallons of water per day; enough to fill 235 Olympic-sized swimming pools. This silent crisis threatens not only the city’s resources but also its future.

• Close to 60% of NYC’s water systems are over 100 years old.
• Financial constraints, logistical challenges, and concerns over urban disruption hinder infrastructure replacement.
• A 2024 audit revealed that NYC’s Asset Information Management System relies on outdated inspection methods, resulting in inefficient maintenance and millions in annual losses.
• Furthermore, aging infrastructure increases vulnerability to contamination and extreme weather events, jeopardizing public access to clean water.

 

Research: Understanding the Challenge

 

To develop a viable solution, Team Mosaic conducted extensive research, analyzing existing infrastructure, exploring innovative technologies, and consulting experts. Our findings highlight what is currently in place, emerging solutions, and expert insights that shape our approach to sustainable water management.

Existing Solutions: What’s in Place

In NYC, teams work through the night, taking advantage of quieter hours to detect leaks more effectively. They use technology, such as the Lmic device, which is attached to water valves to listen for sounds that indicate a potential leak in the main or pipes. Each night, crews cover up to 40,000 feet of main. If no issues are detected, they move on; if a leak is found, they deploy high-tech acoustical equipment to pinpoint the exact location for repair.

As part of our development research process, we also examined diverse water monitoring methods that have been proposed in various regions.

 

Innovative Solutions: The Future of Water Monitoring

• mDetect, an Australian company, utilizes subatomic particles called muons to analyze underground structures and detect anomalies in infrastructure, providing a non-invasive approach to monitoring subterranean water systems.
• Similarly, Atomionics, a Singapore-based company, is pioneering quantum gravimetry solutions for underground fluid detection, offering a novel method for tracking water movement and identifying potential leaks.
• Singapore’s Smart Water Grid has successfully integrated a network of underground sensors that detect fluctuations in water flow, enabling early leak detection and optimizing resource allocation.
• In Japan, vibration-based leak detection, as explored in the Hitachi Review, employs vibration sensors to monitor pipeline integrity, allowing for proactive maintenance.
• Meanwhile, satellite-based leak detection, currently utilized in Green Bay, Wisconsin, use satellite technology originally designed to detect water on Mars and is applied to spot underground water leaks. This system uses electromagnetic signals to identify potential water leaks up to 10 feet underground, allowing crews to proactively repair them before they cause major issues.

In addition to examining secondary sources such as governmental reports and industry publications, we employed qualitative research methodologies, including expert interviews and policy analysis, to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities in water infrastructure monitoring.

Expert Insights:

• Interviews with Technology Policy and the Environment experts at Pace University explored the importance of real-time water quality monitoring, data-driven methodologies, and public awareness in optimizing water infrastructure monitoring.
• Expert consultation with the mDetect team in Australia allowed us to evaluate the practical applications of their muon-based detection technology.
• Furthermore, interviews with practitioners from the New York City Department of Design and Construction (DDC) facilitated an in-depth review of municipal strategies for infrastructure management, maintenance protocols, future vision, and modernization efforts.
• Additionally, documentation from the 2024 Design Future Institute and Arup Reports helped us to imagine the feasibility of our proposed solution in future scenarios.

Based on this research, we propose that our proposed solution is technologically feasible. The integration of underground sensor networks, non-invasive detection technologies, and real-time data analytics presents a viable pathway for enhancing the sustainability and resilience of New York City’s water system while informing broader policy and engineering decisions.

 

Our Solution: InfraSense

 

Imagine a New York City where water mains never burst unexpectedly, where aging pipes don’t fail before we take action, and where disruptive excavations are a thing of the past. What if we could spot weaknesses in our water infrastructure before they become a problem? Rather than reacting to disasters, we could be proactive, ensuring the water system remains reliable and resilient for all.

To make this possible, our solution utilizes muon tomography, a cutting-edge non-invasive technology that employs subatomic particles to generate high-resolution 3D imaging of underground water infrastructure. By detecting structural weaknesses and anomalies before they lead to failures, this system integrates AI-powered trend analysis for data processing. This enables predictive maintenance, optimized resource allocation, and cost reduction by facilitating timely repairs and minimizing disruptions.

At the core of this approach we have created InfraSense, a non-invasive sensor technology that diagnoses water infrastructure conditions, generates 3D visualizations of potential flaws, and provides continuous monitoring and risk forecasting through muon tomography. AI trend analysis enhances decision-making, streamlining operations, and reducing costs.

 

 

 

Future Scenario – Post-Anthropocene

 

Vision

By 2050, NYC’s water infrastructure will be resilient, efficient, and sustainable. Innovation, education, and science-driven policies will replace outdated systems, ensuring water security for all.

• Social: Public awareness will drive accountability.

• Technological: AI and muon tomography will prevent failures.

• Economic: Smart investments will cut costs and fund sustainability.

• Environmental: Climate-ready systems will protect resources.

• Political: Policies will prioritize carbon reduction and justice.

• Legal: Stronger transparency laws will ensure oversight.

• Ethical: Water access will be a guaranteed right.

Goal

By 2050, we assume that all of NYC’s aging infrastructure will have been replaced or repaired. InfraSense will be a key part of this transition, maintaining and monitoring water systems with a focus on prevention and sustainability. The city will no longer struggle with water loss, inefficiency, or contamination. Through technology, education, and policy support, NYC will be ready to meet future challenges.

 

 

Regular Team Snapshots

• Highlight of the Week: The interview with mDetect was a turning point, confirming the viability of muon tomography for NYC’s water infrastructure.
• Quote of the Week: “The future of infrastructure is not just about building; it’s about maintaining and evolving with intelligence.”
• Next Steps: Next steps will focus on refining the features, functions, and components of the system.  Including: Feature Refinement, Prototyping and Iterations.