Culburra oyster farms provide coastal protection, food, and jobs for the community. Oysters act as natural filters removing contaminants from the water, but if water is polluted by sewerage, this can cause food poisoning and wreak havoc on the oyster industry.
With a sewer line running adjacent to oyster farms, overflow is a real and serious threat, particularly after heavy rainfall or a blockage in the pipeline. This can result in a three-week mandatory shutdown for the local industry.
Shoalhaven Water engineers have devised a remote monitoring solution where a sensor is installed in manholes to detect the level of water in the pipes. The sensor is connected to a wireless device, relaying data via an antenna through the concrete lid of the manhole.
Shoalhaven Water workers are sent an SMS and email if the water level in the manhole reaches the height of the sensor - signalling that a blockage may have occurred. Workers immediately rally to site, clear the pipeline, and avoid sewerage overflow.
Engineer Michael Broderick said monitoring wastewater assets across a large region has always been a challenge.
"Thanks to this technology, we are taking a preventative rather than reactive approach to overflow management," said Michael.
"Real-time alarming and remote technology means improved water services for our residents as well as benefits for the environment.
"The new monitoring method is simple and cost effective at just $350 per site."
Michael said Shoalhaven Water is focussing on expanding current projects, rolling out the remote monitoring solutions across the Shoalhaven including more sewer pipelines, in pressure reducing valves (to monitor water pressure fluctuations) and in smart rubbish bins.
He credits LoRaWan (low-power wide-area network) technology which wirelessly connects devices to the internet and is designed for sensors that need to send small amounts of data over long distances.
"We now have the capability to see network interactions between assets, building a holistic understanding of our wastewater collection."
