Overflows, a growing concern

Municipalities can be confronted with flooding and overflow due to a number of factors, such as poorly maintained infrastructure, inadequate drainage systems, and excessive urbanization. Furthermore, climate change, including increased precipitation, can put additional pressure on existing infrastructure and lead to flooding and overflows. Overflows can also occur due to extreme weather conditions, snow melt, a saturation of soil and sewer systems or pump failures, debris blocking sewers, or problems with discharge control devices.

Implementing a monitoring system for infrastructure is essential to detect and respond to overflows and anomalies rapidly. Effective surveillance will help municipalities prevent and manage overflows by monitoring water levels, flows, and return flows, detecting leaks, and monitoring drainage systems. Proper infrastructure monitoring also allows for controlling and maintaining existing infrastructure, so drainage systems can be repaired or improved to withstand overflows better. Finally, it assists municipalities in better planning and taking measures to mitigate the effects of future overflows.

What are the main challenges for municipalities? :

Municipalities are responsible for managing stormwater and face many challenges ensuring a sustainable and effective management of overflows.

Our solutions

Many municipal sewer systems are aging and in need of repair or replacement. This can be costly and difficult to manage.
Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs): During heavy rainfall, CSOs can occur when stormwater and wastewater mix in an overloaded system and are discharged into nearby waterways. Moreover, this phenomenon can be a significant source of pollution.
Sanitary Sewer Overflows (SSOs): SSOs occur when wastewater is discharged directly into local water bodies due to blockages or other problems in the sewer system.
Leak collection systems: Leaks in a sewer system can cause the infiltration of raw fecal matter into the environment, contaminating local water bodies.
Rainwater runoff: Rainwater runoff can lead to flooding and backflow of wastewater into municipal sewer systems.
Illegal discharge: Industrial and commercial operations can release wastewater into municipal sewers, leading to overflows and contamination of local water bodies.

Existing solutions

Sensors

One of the most prudent ways to help prevent overflow is using sensors. By installing sensors in areas prone to flooding, authorities can track real-time water table levels and other environmental factors. This information can then be used to make decisions on how to act in the face of potential flooding events. For example, if a sensor detects the water level rising faster than expected, authorities can take measures to protect the area from possible flooding.

Intelligent Water Systems

Another way to prevent overflows is through the use of intelligent water systems. Intelligent water systems use sensors to monitor water levels and other environmental factors in real-time. This data is then used to make decisions about how to manage water resources more efficiently and sustainably. Intelligent water systems can also detect leaks in pipes or other infrastructure, allowing authorities to address the issue before it causes overflows.

Remote monitoring

Finally, the Internet of Things (IoT) can also be used to monitor water levels and other environmental factors remotely. This can be particularly useful for areas that need access to physical sensors or intelligent water systems. Through remote monitoring, authorities can track water levels remotely and take action when necessary. This can help prevent overflows before they become a problem.

How does Smartrek help prevent overflows?

Smartrek can help prevent flooding and overflows by providing predictive analyses and real-time monitoring. These tools can detect potential sources of flooding, such as clogged drains, and alert responsible parties to take corrective action.
Smartrek can also monitor water levels and alert responsible parties if these water levels begin to rise to a critical level. Additionally, Smartrek can provide detailed reports on the hydrological conditions of an area, which can significantly assist in identifying areas at risk of flood or overflow and, thus, enable competent authorities to take preventive measures.
Smartrek Technologies has over 40 different types of sensors. To address overflows, the Ultrasonic sensor provides municipalities with a turnkey solution to gain a comprehensive view and make informed decisions. Furthermore, the Ultrasonic sensor can detect small changes in water levels and identify potential overflows before they occur – helping municipalities to avoid costly and time-consuming cleanups and repairs.