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Scottish Water has begun using drones and laser technology to help survey its sewer network in a safer, more efficient way, allowing access to “parts of the network that traditional surveying methods can’t reach.”

The new techniques, the utility said, will enable it “to more accurately assess the sewers’ condition and make key decisions about investment in maintenance or rehabilitation.” This, Scottish Water said, will “reduce the risk of leaks, collapses and environmental pollution” across a 33,000-mile network, some of which is from the Victorian era.

Scottish Water said the video here was made during a pilot period during the summer, in partnership with civil engineers Environmental Techniques and drone manufacturer Good Friday Robotics.

With the technology, Scottish Water said two workers could do the work of a team of 15, reducing carbon emissions from sewer surveys by as much as 80 percent, and helping the company reach its 2040 net-zero carbon target. Credit: Scottish Water via Storyful