Arkansas City Implements Advanced Sewer Inspection Technology

ARKANSAS CITY, Kan. — The City of Arkansas City has deployed new software technology to enhance its sewer system inspection and maintenance capabilities, according to a city announcement.

The municipality purchased Tripipes software earlier this year at a cost not exceeding $56,250. The system became operational after several months of setup and staff training.

City crews now use cameras to record video inside sewer pipes, manholes and related infrastructure. The inspection footage is analyzed using Assisted Inspection Coding, a process that combines artificial intelligence with video review by certified professionals to identify and document potential problems inside pipes.

After recording inspection videos, city crews upload them to a secure, cloud-based system where team members can review the footage to confirm accuracy. The system generates clear inspection reports that can be shared and used to inform the city's asset management system for long-term maintenance decisions.

The system is designed to operate consistently, according to the announcement. Certified inspectors from the National Association of Sewer Service Companies review the data and provide clear evaluations and recommendations, eliminating the need to hire and train specialized inspection staff locally.

City officials said the software enables continuous monitoring of the sewer system's condition, helping determine which areas require priority attention for repair or replacement. The technology aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of underground conditions.

"This system gives us clear, reliable information about what's happening underground," said Kyle Busskuhl, environmental services superintendent. "For the first time in a long while, we'll have a consistent, up-to-date picture of our sewer system. That allows us to plan ahead, prioritize repairs and make smarter decisions that help prevent costly emergency repairs and protect infrastructure the community depends on every day."

Much of Arkansas City's sewer infrastructure has not been fully documented in recent years. Officials said the new system will help the city better understand underground conditions as inspections continue.