Smart Drains initiative to reduce risk of flooding

by Fujitsu

(Business)

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Utilising sonar and camera sensors, the solution monitors water levels and potential flow rate within roadside storm water drains, and provides real time alerts to operational teams so blockages can be addressed before floods occur.

Project implemented: May 2018

Project goal

To implement a solution that will reduce the risk of flooding due to blockages in storm water drains and also improve utilisation of drain maintenance teams. Maintenance teams can be deployed to fix drain problems before flooding is caused.

delivering on

why is this project important?

This project helps Australia prepare for and mitigate the impact of adverse weather events.

Key steps to make it happen

1Identify partners

The initiative is the result of a collaboration between Downer, Fujitsu Australia Limited, EYEfi and Yarra Ranges Council.

2Develop technology

The smart drains solution incorporates networked smart sensor, cloud technology and software.

impact to date

90% +
The requirement for inspections of General Pollutant Traps (GPT) removed
70% +
The requirement for periodic inspections of standard roadside pits removed

Significantly reduce the impacts of flooding through preventative/proactive response to issues/blockages in pits/drains

Significantly reduce the operational costs associated with regular scheduled inspections of pits

The Smart Drains solution reduces the risk of flood damage to the Yarra Ranges community. The Yarra Ranges Council faces a number of local flood management and drainage challenges, with over 4,900 properties known to be at risk of flooding from waterways or underground drains. Adding to these challenges are long-term future pressures on the existing drainage system associated with urban consolidation and an increase in rainfall intensity, with approximately 7% of properties within the Yarra Ranges Council being prone to flooding.

Utilising sonar and camera sensors, the solution is designed to monitor water levels and potential flow rate within roadside storm water drains and provide real time alerts to operational teams so blockages can be addressed before inundation occurs. The smart drains solution incorporates networked smart sensor, cloud technology and software to provide alerts for rising water every fifteen minutes. It provides a dashboard view of input from all sensors to provide management with a clear view of drain infrastructure to identify areas of focus.

collaborating organisations

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