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IoT plays an integral role in the modernization of smarter water management, allowing for greater efficiency, improved resource allocation and, enhanced sustainability. Learn how IoT has improved water management practices and discover the technology making this possible for industries around the world.
IoT for Water Utilities
The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to a network of interconnected devices that collect and transmit data. When it comes to water utilities, IoT enables near real-time monitoring and management of water resources through technologies such as advanced sensors, data loggers, and a cloud-based management platform.
Applications of IoT in Water Utilities
- Water metering: Smart meters are equipped with sensors that measure water flow rates. They are able to detect water usage in very small increments, providing precise consumption data, and more accurate methods compared to traditional manual water metering. Further, smart meters provide highly accurate, near real-time data on water consumption rates, aiding billing transparency and detecting anomalies.
- Pipe/Pump Monitoring: IoT in water utilities allows for remote access to data on pipes and pumps, such as condition which ensures timely maintenance is made, reducing downtime. The remote nature of this data allows for easy access, task automation, and critical alerts. For example, a task can be scheduled for a water pump to release when it hits a predetermined threshold. This reduces manual labor efforts and prevents underfilling and overfilling.
- Leak Detection: IoT sensors can detect leaks early, by measuring an unexpected increase in flow rate. For example, if water flow is detected during unexpected times, such as during the night or unoccupied hours, this could signal a leak. Early leak detection prevents water loss and reduces the costs associated with extensive repairs.
- Water Quality Monitoring: Near real-time data on water quality ensures compliance with health standards and enables quick responses to contamination.
- Floodwater Management: IoT technology allows for the early detection of floods, with the ability to send users critical alerts if detected. This contributes to the efforts of minimizing damage to the ecosystem and reducing environmental impact.
- Wastewater Management: Near real-time data on wastewater processes allows for treatment facilities to monitor capacity, reduce spills, and proactively manage resources. Data insights also prevent harmful wastewater overflow from reaching the public or the environment.
IoT Sensors for Water Utility Management
Water utility IoT sensors work in conjunction with a data logger to collect and transmit specific data crucial for effective management. IoT sensors used in water utilities measure metrics such as flow rates, temperature, and water quality.
Sensors are intentionally and strategically deployed across a water distribution network. These sensors communicate readings with a water utility data logger, which aggregates the data and transmits it into a cloud network. The use of the cloud network allows water utility stakeholders to access this information remotely, allowing task automation and alerts related to water flow, temperature levels and more.
Smart Water Utilities for Agriculture
Agriculture is one of the most water-dependent industries, and the need for smart irrigation systems is becoming increasingly prevalent as IoT adoption continues to grow. IoT has enabled smarter irrigation management, optimizing water resources in order to enhance crop yields. IoT sensors allow for critical parameters such as soil moisture, weather conditions, and water usage to be monitored, providing farmers with critical insights and allowing them to automate efforts.
For example, a farmer could automate a sprinkler to activate when soil moisture reaches a defined threshold. IoT has eliminated the need for manual intervention, which is more timely, susceptible to human error, and ineffective for large-scale deployments.
Key Considerations for Building an IoT Water Utilities Solution
To determine the correct IoT water utilities system for your organization, there are several critical considerations that must be weighed against your specific use case and the level of insights required.
- Real-Time Monitoring: Determine whether you need real-time monitoring or how often you need the data, and ensure the tech allows for this.
- Scalability: Choose solutions that allow for easy expansion as your operations grow and new devices are added.
- Integration Capabilities: Ensure that your IoT solution can seamlessly integrate with existing systems and technologies.
- Data Security: Choose a solution that is encrypted and ensures that your data is protected.
- Energy Efficiency: Depending on your monitoring needs, it may be ideal to select IoT devices that use low power such as Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). This helps to extend battery life and reduce operational costs.
- Durability and Environmental Resistance: Consider the environmental conditions that are present in your use case. Consider the use of rugged, waterproof devices that can withstand harsh conditions.
- Data Analytics and Reporting: Implement tools that offer advanced analytics and customizable reporting options to meet your specific needs.
IoT Water Utilities: Peak HydroMet Solutions
One of our partners, Peak HydroMet Solutions, based in British Columbia, Canada, is a full-service environmental monitoring company specializing in agricultural weather and water management. They required a robust sensor monitoring solution, that could seamlessly adapt across various environments and use cases.
The Hawk IoT data logger was elected to support the monitoring of a variety of water parameters such as water levels, temperature, and salinity, providing essential data for effective water resource management and helping adhere to environmental regulations. Using the Hawk, Peak Hydromet were able to remotely monitor their projects with confidence, leading to improved crop yields.
View the full case study here.
Conclusion
The integration of IoT for water utilities offers numerous benefits, including improved efficiency, enhanced resource management and automation. As the industry continues to evolve, it is important to partner with an experienced provider who understands the unique challenges of water management and can provide tailored solutions that meet your specific needs.
At Digital Matter, we offer both hardware and software solutions to help enhance your remote sensing needs and achieve better water utility management. Contact us today to learn about the Hawk and how it can support your needs.
FAQs
What is a data logger for water usage?
A data logger can be used to communicate information on water usage and consumption over time, providing valuable insights into usage patterns for optimized resource management.
How does a water level data logger work?
A data logger uses sensors to measure and record the water level at regular intervals. The data logger then transmits this data to a central system for monitoring and analysis.
What is the difference between a data logger and a data recorder?
A data logger is a device that stores data that can then be sent to a cloud system. Whilst a data recorder is a broader term that is any device that records sensor or signal inputs.
