Sewer trial to prevent messy spills
Barwon Water is testing the effectiveness of new sensors in proactively identifying and preventing potential sewer spills. Photo: SUPPLIED
AN INNOVATIVE new trial is under way to help identify and prevent potential sewer spills along the Barwon River is an area of high environmental, cultural and recreational significance.
Barwon Water has teamed up with Australian Internet of things (IoT) specialist Kallipr to test the effectiveness of new sensors in managing sewer networks.
The devices will provide early warning alerts of potential blockages that could result in sewer overflows.
The Barwon River is an area of high environmental, cultural and recreational significance, with the area and its users experiencing a range of impacts when damage occurs.
Barwon Water general manager smart and sustainable infrastructure David Snadden said the trial aimed to use smart analytics to improve efficiency.
“This is one more step in our transition from reacting to disruptive and damaging spills, to proactively identifying issues and acting quickly to prevent them.
“The sensors will help us to spot the warning signs of a spill and to stop them before they occur, allowing us to direct our resources into timely and high-value maintenance.”
Kallipr CEO Gerhard Loots said the trial brings next-generation monitoring to one of Victoria’s most important waterways.
The all-in-one radar device, called Spectra, uses edge and AI intelligence to detect changes in water levels.
“[The all-in-one radar device], Spectra combines precision radar sensing with onboard intelligence to detect sewer issues earlier and more accurately.
“Local analysis on the device means crews get faster alerts, fewer false alarms and can focus resources where they’ll make the biggest difference – protecting both the river and the network.”
Barwon Water is committed to moving towards zero sewer spills across its 2,200km network.
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