Case Study: City of Philadelphia reduces stormwater runoff with Microsoft Azure and OptiNimbus

Philadelphia uses smart technology to manage stormwater runoff and reduce pollution

The City of Philadelphia faced a challenge with its aging combined sewer system, which was prone to overflows that polluted local waterways during heavy rainstorms. To better manage this stormwater runoff, the city partnered with Microsoft and its partner, Opti, to implement a smart technology solution utilizing the Microsoft Azure cloud platform.

Opti implemented its OptiNimbus solution, a cloud-based monitoring and control system running on Microsoft Azure. This technology used weather forecasts to automatically control a stormwater retention pond, optimizing its storage and release. The results were highly successful; on a pilot site, the solution captured 98.8% of the runoff, preventing 2.7 million gallons of water from entering the sewer system during a 212-day period.

City of Philadelphia

Erin Williams

Stormwater Billing Program Manager