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.
Water utility IoT sensors work in conjunction with a data logger to collect and transmit specific data crucial for effective management, especially when dealing with aging water infrastructure. Unlike traditional meters, which often require manual readings and provide limited insights, connected devices like smart sensors offer real-time visibility into metrics such as flow rates, temperature, and water quality.
These sensors are intentionally and strategically deployed across a water distribution network to ensure comprehensive data collection. They continuously communicate their readings to a water utility data logger, which aggregates the data and transmits it to a cloud network. This approach not only improves operational efficiency but also enables proactive measures, such as early leak detection and predictive maintenance, reducing the risk of costly infrastructure failures.
With the ability to access this data remotely, water utility stakeholders can automate routine tasks, set alerts for anomalies, and make data-driven decisions to extend the lifespan of their infrastructure and optimize water management.
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, helping farmers manage water resources more effectively and optimize their water supply to enhance crop yields. IoT sensors allow for parameters such as soil moisture, weather conditions, and water usage to be monitored, providing farmers with essential insights and allowing them to automate efforts.
For example, a farmer could automate a sprinkler to activate when soil moisture reaches a defined threshold, ensuring efficient use of the available water supply. IoT has eliminated the need for manual intervention, which is more time-consuming, susceptible to human error, and less effective for large-scale deployments. This technology conserves water and ensures crops receive the precise amount needed, promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
To determine the correct IoT water utilities system for your organization, you should consider 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 an encrypted solution that ensures your data is protected while effectively delivering data from various data points within your water management system. This approach offers enhanced security and protects sensitive operational information.
Energy Efficiency: It's important to consider power consumption when choosing IoT devices. Low-power communication technologies, such as NB-IoT, LoRaWAN, and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), can significantly 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.
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.
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.
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, referring to any device that records sensor or signal inputs.