Transforming Septic Tanks into "Next-Generation Water Infrastructure" with the Power of Digital Technology

Nocnum Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Aichi Prefecture, Representative: Miki Omori) has released its IoT x AI system, "AquaLink", designed to evolve septic tanks, which are small-scale wastewater treatment facilities, into "smart water infrastructure" for the coming era. Paid early access will begin around late May 2026. ■ About Paid Early Access In the initial phase, we will collaborate with adopting companies and municipalities to establish implementation and operational structures that align with on-site operational realities. Furthermore, we will advance service improvements and AI sophistication through data and case studies obtained in collaboration with adopting companies and municipalities.

What is AquaLink? AquaLink is a decentralized water infrastructure platform that combines IoT sensors for "visualizing" water quality with AI.

Sensors installed in septic tanks continuously measure the water quality and microbial activity within the tank, visualizing daily changes and signs of abnormalities as graphs on the cloud.

This enables: ・Early detection of abnormalities ・Support for management decisions ・Streamlining of inspection tasks ・Enhancement of data-driven explanations

Effluent Water Quality Estimation Model AquaLink implements an AI model that estimates water quality parameters based on acquired sensor data.

Currently, estimation and numerical output are possible for the following water quality indicators: ・Turbidity ・BOD concentration ・Total Nitrogen concentration (TN) ・Ammonia Nitrogen (NH₄-N)

Additionally, model development is currently underway for the following items: ・Nitrite Nitrogen (NO₂-N) ・Residual Chlorine, etc.

This aims to realize a new management method that allows for constant, non-contact grasp of water quality information, which traditionally required on-site sampling and analysis. AquaLink aims to achieve next-generation septic tank management that supports field operations with AI and enables data-driven decision-making.

Background: The Challenge of Continued Septic Tank Demand and a Shortage of Personnel Over 4 million septic tanks are installed nationwide, serving as crucial infrastructure supporting regional water environments and sanitation. Against the backdrop of declining populations and increasing costs for sewer maintenance, the importance of decentralized water treatment is expected to continue.

However, concerns about a future shortage of personnel are rising due to the aging of septic tank maintenance technicians and a decrease in young people entering the field. To maintain and improve management quality with limited human resources, the development of a digital foundation to support field operations is required.

Future Development In the future, we plan to implement more advanced AI, such as improving water quality estimation accuracy by utilizing accumulated data.

AquaLink will be progressively enhanced as a platform to evolve septic tanks from "managed facilities" to "trusted next-generation water infrastructure.". ■ Representative's Comment Septic tanks are a decentralized water treatment technology that Japan proudly offers to the world. As the shift from sewage systems to septic tanks progresses, there is a possibility of increased demand alongside a decrease in personnel due to aging. To protect our infrastructure and environment, we recognized the need for a digital foundation to maintain and improve management quality. AquaLink is the first step towards evolving septic tanks into "next-generation water infrastructure." We will connect the infrastructure that protects our regional water environment to the next generation in a sustainable manner. — Miki Omori, Representative Director, Nocnum Co., Ltd. ■ Company Overview Company Name: Nocnum Co., Ltd. Location: Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture Representative: Miki Omori Business Activities: ・Development of IoT sensors for combined septic tanks ・Development of AI analysis software ・Water quality data analysis business ■ Contact Information Nocnum Co., Ltd. Email: info@nocnum.com Web: https://nocnum.com

We welcome inquiries from companies and municipalities interested in AquaLink. Please feel free to contact us for consultations regarding adoption consideration and demonstration experiments.