In the third article in a series of Expert Focus articles for WaterBriefing, John Lillistone Director of Water at Arqiva, global digital communications specialists for critical infrastructure, says the water industry stands a critical juncture, whereby sensor performance could transform operations or become another underutilised investment.

John Lillistone: Water companies currently face the dual challenge of navigating the mounting regulatory pressure to increase performance and transparency, while simultaneously driving significant investment across clean water, wastewater, and environmental programmes. While smart metering has proven successful, the industry now confronts the fresh challenge of effectively implementing advanced sensors throughout their networks.

Nevertheless, the issue that many run into is that current approaches often focus on acquiring sophisticated sensors without adequately considering data completeness, connectivity, and long-term performance. However, by drawing from their experience in smart metering and partnering with a managed service provider, water companies can avoid costly mistakes and maximise the value of their sensor investments.

The smart sensor opportunity, and challenge

Over the past few years, we’ve noticed that water companies are running into a repeated issue with smart sensors – that of erratic data capture. Largely, this stems from the fact that many in the industry have focused their efforts on sensor sophistication, rather than data reliability.

It’s those smart water programmes that have championed complete datasets and clear accountability that have consistently delivered strong results. In my experience, those that transition from a fragmented procurement set up (separate meter purchase, installation, and connectivity), to outcome-based contracts stand to deliver far greater results. To fully maximise the benefits of sensors, water companies must seek out trusted partners who can manage the entire value chain and reliably capture fata from remote locations.

Clean water management

One of the simpler, yet more powerful use cases of network sensors is chlorine level management, which transforms treatment from imprecise sampling to dynamic management. Currently, processes rely on in-home sampling and manual adjustments, which results in higher labour costs, a more timely and inefficient process. Ultimately this delivers lower quality results.

Network-deployed chlorine sensors enable water companies to have 24/7 visibility over their chlorine levels, and importantly, ensure that water remains safe without tasting like the water you would find in your local swimming pool.

Beyond public safety and customer satisfaction, optimized chlorine usage can deliver significant cost savings. We worked out that one water company that we’ve worked with could save £1 million annually, just by reducing their chlorine usage by 10% - all without compromising public safety.

Environmental monitoring and natural solutions

Over the past few years, increased public awareness of sewage overflows has heightened the importance of effective wastewater monitoring. This, combined with the spread of impermeable urban surfaces and new property developments are increasing the pressure on the UK’s combined sewage systems. In addition to this, blockages from wet wipes, cooking fat, and industrial waste disrupt the sewage system’s engineered flows – causing backups and regulatory penalties.

Of course, the issues aren’t limited to urbanised areas. In a similar vein, climate change and intensive farming have reduced soil’s natural ability to absorb rainfall, increasing the runoff and contributing to the overwhelming of drainage systems. This is where soil moisture sensors can provide critical insights into absorption capacity across catchment areas.

Nature-based solutions can offer a promising alternative. Just last year, a pair of beavers were reintroduced to Northamptonshire as part of Anglian Water’s Get River Positive programme, significantly improving the drainage around wetlands.

Whether you’re tackling sewage overflows in an urbanised area, or drainage issues across rural farmland, only sensors provide the level of evidence-based monitoring and evaluation needed to assess the impact of an intervention.

Strategic implementation considerations

Despite the obvious benefits, sensor programmes often lack the detailed regulatory requirements and cumulative benefits that have become characteristic of smart metering initiatives. Increasingly, the benefits from sensors are typically wrapped up within larger programmes and therefore place insufficient focus on outcomes.

To fix this, water companies must shift from fragmented procurement approaches to outcome-based contracting models that tie payments to data delivery and quality. This approach has revolutionised smart metering success, and it can do the same for sensor deployment too. Under this model, a single party is accountable for the entire solution, with water companies needing to refocus on complete, actionable data.

Looking forward

The water industry stands a critical juncture, whereby sensor performance could transform operations or become another underutilised investment. Success depends on complete data sets, real-time monitoring and appropriate performance incentives. Companies that apply smart metering lessons to their sensor strategies will gain competitive advantages in efficiency, cost reduction, and environmental compliance.

Click here to read John Lillistone's second Expert Focus article Smart meters are just the beginning:  how can water companies handle the coming data flood