New IoT SmartWater technology launched to revolutionise gully management
A new Internet of Things predictive technology software, called SmartWater, for gully management, developed with support from Lancaster University, Innovate UK and the Department of Transport, has been launched nationwide after effective trials took place.
The product created by software and technology SME InTouch Ltd, is currently being rolled out for highways agencies across the UK, and has international ambitions as well. In a Smart City demonstration project in Bristol, it has achieved savings of 50% and reduced problem gullies from 25% to 8%.
Currently, gully cleansing by highways authorities is done on a manual rota check or after someone has reported a blockage or flooding. Coupled with increased flooding risk due to climate change, InTouch has brought this routine task into the 21st century, using a combination of IoT sensors and predictive software.
Research found that, when inspected, 80% of gullies are actually clean and running, meaning wasted time and unnecessary costs for local government. By using SmartWater’s managed service, the highways authority can be alerted when a gully requires cleansing, as well as benefiting from flood alerts.
InTouch Ltd spent 10 years researching and developing the product, in partnership with the Department of Transport, Innovate UK and Lancaster University. There have been trials with a number of specially selected highways authorities, including Bristol City Council.
Due to the growth of SmartWater, the innovative technology business, based in Lancashire, has just taken on two senior roles to manage the product roll-out, as well as having appointed a non-executive adviser.
Joe Burns, who filled the newly-created position of development director at InTouch Ltd, said: “SmartWater can typically save 30% of the cleansing budgets year-on-year and in time can be self-funding.
“This is a very exciting time for InTouch because there is a huge amount of potential for this technology and managed service, along with other Smart City technologies, to both save valuable public money and improve our environment.”
The SME has also brought in Tony Gates, a director at Sir Robert McAlpine, as a non-executive adviser to steer the business during this growth period, using his wealth of expertise in the construction and highways sector.
SmartWater was also chosen this year to take part in the Telensa SmartCity project across two local authorities in Essex and Hertfordshire. The SmartWater IoT sensor is included within the smart street lighting trial, enabling councils to receive live data streams, which also include traffic, weather, waste bin and traffic updates.
The SmartWater system is also beneficial to local authorities by providing risk-based evidence for maintenance and improvement of the gully asset. This approach is consistent with the most recent (2017) UKRLG Code of Practice for Well Managed Highways and is endorsed by the Department for Transport.
The Government’s National Flood Resilience Review in 2016 predicted that there will be 20-30% more downpours in the future. With restraints and budget cuts, it is imperative that councils start using technology to their advantage to cut maintenance costs and prevent flooding.
