Can IoT Sensors Revolutionize Monitoring and Operations in the Water and Wastewater Sector?
With increasing digitalization and the growing need for real-time data in the water and wastewater sector, interest in the use of Internet of Things (IoT) sensors is rising. A recently completed innovation project has explored how a combination of sensor technology, data collection, and wireless communication can open up entirely new possibilities for operations, planning, and management.
The Project – Demand-Based Emptying Using IoT
The project, led by Attvin AS, aimed to develop and test a solution for demand-based emptying of private wastewater tanks using IoT sensors that measure liquid levels in sealed tanks near drinking water sources in the Ålesund region. Traditionally, emptying has been carried out at fixed intervals — with the risk of unnecessary driving routes or tanks becoming overfilled between service visits. The project investigated whether real-time information could provide more precise control of emptying operations and reduce unintended pollution.
Scanmatic’s Role – Focus on Sensor and Radio Technologies
In the project, Scanmatic contributed to setting up the test configuration — both for laboratory and field trials — including sensors, data logging equipment, and evaluations of different IoT products and radio technologies. An important aspect of the work was to assess sensor technology independently of the chosen communication technology, allowing technological opportunities and limitations to be understood from a broader perspective.
Sensor Selection and Field Insights
During the testing phase, several sensor types were evaluated for level measurement, including ultrasonic, radar, and lidar technologies. One of the most interesting findings was that a relatively simple lidar sensor outperformed traditional sensors such as ultrasonic and radar under field conditions. This surprising result shows that less commonly used sensor technologies can provide accurate and stable level measurements — an important contribution to the assessment of sensor technologies for future monitoring solutions.
Several sensors were tested in the field over time, demonstrating that reliable real-time measurements of liquid levels in sealed tanks are achievable. Occasional measurement errors occurred but could be handled through filtering of raw data. The results are promising for applications where real-time data can support operational decision-making and planning.
Technical Choices – Radio Technology and Data Collection
As part of the project, different communication solutions were evaluated, including Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), LoRaWAN, and NB-IoT. LoRaWAN was selected as the communication technology for the field trials, as it offers low power consumption, long range, and the possibility to establish a dedicated LoRaWAN network for both lab and field testing.
Sensor data were collected via a shared reception system and processed before being transmitted to professional systems for further use and visualization. The project also developed an API (Application Programming Interface) to simplify the integration of sensor data with existing operational systems.
The Road Ahead – Standardization and Value for the Water Sector
The project has not only focused on technology but also on non-technical aspects such as sensor ownership, the need for standardization, and models for procurement and operation. These elements are crucial for ensuring a sustainable value chain around IoT solutions in the water and wastewater sector.
The results indicate strong potential for IoT sensors to provide better decision support for operations, more efficient use of resources, and reduced risk of pollution from private wastewater systems — particularly in sensitive areas near drinking water sources.
Sources
Article published in the journal Vann by the Norwegian Water Association:
Can IoT sensors contribute to better operation and management of private wastewater systems?
Content published by SINTEF in the VAnnforsk webinar:
Decentralized wastewater – VAnnforsk webinar
