SMART water systems start-up Aquamatix appears to be one of the first off the mark with a commercial application of the ‘internet of things’ (IoT) to the management of waterways.
The Basingstoke Canal has contracted with Aquamatix (a self-described “pioneer of the IoT in water”) to provide real-time monitoring and control of water resources, to allow the public to access information about the canal, and to reduce energy consumed by canal operations.
The canal was built in 1792-8, and is now a leisure facility serving the community from the River Wey Navigation near Woking, over 32 miles from Odiham in Hampshire. In order to use a limited water supply as efficiently as possible, while reducing the energy consumed in managing the canal operations, Aquamatix’s technology solutions have been called upon.
The system will provide a variety of tools for canal rangers to monitor water levels and flows and pumping station activity. Information from the system will also be available to the public via a website, allowing canal users to better enjoy and understand the canal and its environment.
The project has been jointly developed by public agencies including Surrey and Hampshire County Councils, the volunteer sector in the Basingstoke Canal Society, and the private sector in Aquamatix, an SME based in Surrey.
James Taylor, Strategic Manager for the Basingstoke Canal said: “We are delighted that both owning county councils are investing in this leading technology so we can provide a better service to all users of the canal and neighbours. By monitoring and controlling the water in the canal we will improve our control of winter flood waters, whilst reducing canal energy use, and allow more boats to enjoy the beautiful canal environment through more efficient water use in dry summer months.”
Laurie Reynolds of Aquamatix noted: “We are delighted to be working with the Basingstoke Canal in this UK-first implementation of Internet of Things technologies to this unique environment.”
