Barwon Water has teamed up with Australian Internet of things (IoT) specialist Kallipr to test the effectiveness of new sensors in managing sewer networks and proactively identifying and preventing potential sewer spills. The devices will provide early warning alerts of potential blockages that could result in sewer overflows, which are harmful to the environment and disruptive to the community.
The trial targets an area of high environmental, cultural and recreational significance, with the Barwon River and its users experiencing a range of impacts when a spill event occurs.
Barwon Water General Manager Smart and Sustainable Infrastructure, David Snadden, said the trial aimed to use smart analytics to improve the efficiency of proactive maintenance of the sewerage network.
“This is one more step in our transition from reacting to disruptive and damaging spills, to proactively identifying issues and acting quickly to prevent them,” Mr Snadden said.
“The sensors will help us to spot the warning signs of a spill and to stop them before they occur, allowing us to direct our resources into timely and high-value maintenance.”
Kallipr CEO, Gerhard Loots, said the trial brings next-generation monitoring to one of Victoria’s most important waterways.
The all-in-one radar device, called Spectra, uses edge and AI intelligence to detect changes in water levels.
“Spectra combines precision radar sensing with onboard intelligence to detect sewer issues earlier and more accurately,” Mr Loots said.
“Local analysis on the device means crews get faster alerts, fewer false alarms and can focus resources where they’ll make the biggest difference – protecting both the river and the network.”
To quickly and safely clean up and mitigate the impact of spills is resource-intensive, costing Barwon Water about $600,000 per year.
Barwon Water is committed to moving towards zero sewer spills across its 2200km-long network and has the support of customers to invest in digital technology to achieve its goal.
The utiltiy said the community can help keep the sewerage system healthy, by only flushing the ‘three Ps’ – Pee, Poo and (toilet) Paper – down toilets and drains.
Flushing items such as non-flushable wet wipes, tissues, paper towels and sanitary products can create blockages such as the 15m-long ‘fatberg’ that was removed from central Geelong in 2024.
The extended dry conditions have also impacted on the sewerage system.
Tree roots and vegetation searching for moisture can infiltrate and crack pipes, which can result in material such as soil and silt building up and forming a blockage.
For more information on Barwon Water’s nation-leading research, development and innovation program, visit www.barwonwater.vic.gov.au/about-us/research-and-development
