Water Quality Monitoring as a Service

Continuous real-time Water Quality Monitoring as a Service (WQaaS): what’s really in the service ?

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The advantages of Continuous Water Quality Monitoring for truly understanding a body of water and its water quality status were recently highlighted by evidence submitted to the UK Parliamentary Environmental Audit Committee (EAC). Salmon and Trout Conservation recommended the use of Continuous Water Quality Monitoring, especially with the ‘spikey’ nature of discharges from such industries as watercress and trout farming. It said that the technology has progressed so markedly that continuous monitoring should now be both practical and affordable for the Environment Agency to use widely, especially for potentially high-risk polluters such as sewage treatment works.

There are many technologies that must operate seamlessly together for a robust and accurate real-time Continuous Water Quality Monitoring Service. If we think of these technologies arranged in a stack, there are sensors at the bottom of the stack taking the water quality measurements and there is a display at the top that provides the water quality data in views along with functionality for the end user, either stand-alone or integrated with other useful data: flow and level for example. But what else is in the stack and what is its purpose? In product literature, Sensor Manufacturers concentrate on the sensor products, their set-up, operation and maintenance and Software Houses concentrate on providing the functionality that the end user requires to do their job, so what about all of the essential technologies in between?

Meteor Communications is in the unique position of providing a complete, robust and field-proven Continuous Water Quality Monitoring system that has contributed to the successful prosecution of polluters in England and is now used by many UK Water Utilities. Moreover, the system may be purchased as a service: Continuous Water Quality Monitoring as a Service (WQaaS), making it a cost-effective way of building a reliable database for any project where high-quality, reliable data is paramount.

Following is an insight into Meteor’s WqaaS System Technology Stack.

Comprehending the Technology: it all ends in Tiers

Meteor’s technology stack is based upon the structure of the Open Systems Interconnection model (OSI model) for telecommunications and computer systems. It is essentially a method of organising and abstracting complex system technologies into a stack of logical layers or tiers to aid understanding and provide a framework for robust, future-proof systems. Meteor’s WqaaS system stack is comprised of the following tiers:

Tier

Description

​End User Application Interface

Web browsers, smartphones, tablets and Machine to Machine (M2M) devices

​End User Application Rules

Data visualisation, sensor correlation, alarms, reports and AI

​End User Application Middle-ware

Makes the application service scalable under heavy user load

​Data Storage

Ensures integrity of the data, scalability under heavy user load and uniform, fast data retrieval times

​Data Decode/Encode

Decoding and encoding of data received from and sent to outstations

​Communication

How data is sent to and received from outstations over long distances: GSM, 3/4G

​Data Acquisition

Receive and send data to multiple Sensor Manufacturer devices, control pumps, samplers and other devices

​Sensor Instrumentation

The sensor devices from Multiple Sensor Manufacturers

Description of the Tiers

Following is a brief description of the tiers.

End User Application Interface

Any type of device that the end user wishes to work with for Continuous Water Quality Monitoring: PC, laptop, tablet, smartphones; even Machine to Machine (M2M) interfacing may be considered.

End User Application Rules

These are the core system functions and facilities that make the system productive for the end user, for example: viewing graphs/data, sensor correlation and spatial analysis to identify man-made pollution, pollution alarms and notifications.

End User Application Middle-ware

This is one of the tiers, along with Data Storage that does a lot of the ‘heavy lifting’, to make sure that the Water Quality Monitoring service is always available 24x7x365 and always provides a fast end-user response time, no matter how many users are logged in and using the functionality at the same time. During a storm or pollution event, the number of active users and the resulting system load may increase by at least a factor of 10.

Data Storage

The Data Storage tier is the other ‘heavy lifter’ that ensures that data is always safe, has integrity and is available. The data retrieval response time must be uniformly fast no matter how much data is being requested by the end users.

Data Decode/Encode

This tier manages the different protocols or languages that the Data Acquisition units are using to communicate with the Data Storage tier for retrieving and storing Water Quality Data. It covers the ‘conversational’ element of end-to-end communication and is built on standard protocols, such as TCP/IP and MQTT. It will also handle how data objects are encoded for transfer and operational resilience issues, such as error checking.

Communication

The Communication tier is concerned with how the remote Data Acquisition Units communicate over a long distance with the Meteor Data Cloud. This would normally be a specialist Machine to Machine (M2M) network built upon all UK-wide Mobile Network Operator networks for fault tolerance and reliability.

Data Acquisition

This key tier sits between the manufacturer’s sensor and the Meteor Data Cloud, sending Water Quality Data back from the field and forwarding directives and commands to the sensor. In addition to managing data flows in a robust manner, it must also perform the critical functions that are required for data sampling, such as controlling pumps, samplers and other remote equipment. This tier really does have a lot to do as many sensors and other types of units may be connected and operating concurrently.

Sensor Instrumentation

Water Quality Sensor instruments that are field proven to be reliable and accurate by water quality professionals may be plugged into Data Acquisition and the data made instantly available in the End User Application Interface. Meteor’s WqaaS system is sensor independent, meaning that the current and future “best in class” instruments will be available as options.

Conclusion

The key requirement for Continuous Water Quality Monitoring is the continuous delivery of real-time data from remote locations and the 24x7x365 availability of the end user application, even under heavy load during a storm or pollution event. Ensuring that you have the right technologies in your system stack will go a long way to ensuring a successful Continuous Water Quality Monitoring project. Moreover, as technologies change and evolve over time, individual layers in the stack may be swapped out, ensuring the longevity of your system and the protection of your investment.

Serpentine Water Quality Monitor

ESNET water quality monitor installed in the Serpentine, Hyde Park, London

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Looking to find ways to keep improving water quality, the managers of the Royal Parks have installed a continuous water quality monitor; an ESNET (Environmental Sensor NETwork) system from the company Meteor Communications.

The Serpentine is monitored by the Environment Agency which collects samples for bacteriological analysis every week between May and September. However, the ESNET continuous water quality monitor was installed to improve understanding of the factors affecting water quality.

Covering an area of around 16 hectares, the Serpentine was created in 1730 by the wife of George 2nd, Queen Caroline. Originally fed by the River Westbourne and Tyburn Brook in the 1730s, the lake’s water was later pumped from the River Thames. Today, water is pumped from two boreholes from within Hyde Park.

Water quality monitoring station close to the bathing areaThe water quality monitoring system was installed in February 2022, measuring key parameters including Blue/ Green Algae, Chlorophyll, Temperature, Conductivity, pH, Turbidity and Dissolved Oxygen. Measurements are taken continuously in real-time with updates every 30 minutes to the MeteorCloud™ web portal, with instant alerts for any issues that may influence bathing water quality. “The ESNET system will provide essential data for the future management of the lake,” explains the Royal Parks’ Dr Pawel Szynkarczuk. “We need this empirical data to better understand short- and long-term trends, as well as the factors affecting water quality. For example, a key advantage of a continuous time-series dataset is the ability to correlate water quality incidents with potential impact factors such as ambient temperature and heavy rainfall.

“The Environment Agency’s laboratory tests are more focused on bathing safety, whereas the wider variety of parameters monitored by ESNET will provide greater insights into the factors affecting water quality generally. The ESNET system will therefore allow us to make informed decisions, whilst also enabling us to measure the impact of any improvement measures.”

Water quality improvement measures currently include litter/debris removal as well as aeration at 24 points around the lake. However, the large population of wildfowl in Hyde Park is the likely cause of any water pollution; with raised nutrient levels during summer being an area that is carefully monitored. The water quality challenges presented by the wildfowl are compounded by Park visitors feeding the ducks and geese by throwing food into the water. Raised nutrient levels during summer are therefore carefully monitored, and an initiative is underway to try to alter visitor behaviour. “We have a campaign entitled ‘Help Nature Thrive’, which is designed to discourage overfeeding – it’s not good for the birds and it certainly isn’t good for water quality,” explains Assistant Hyde Park Manager, Ian Nightingale. “In the past, we have had to address raised nutrient levels on two occasions by dosing the water with a modified bentonite clay which binds with free reactive phosphorus. While this method appears to be effective, it is expensive, so the provision of continuous monitoring will enable us to fully evaluate the cost/benefits of any future water quality improvement measures.”

The ESNET system has been installed at the Environment Agency’s water sampling point, adjacent to the lake’s bathing area, and the water quality sensors are built into a compact water quality sonde which is permanently located beneath the water surface. In order to maintain the highest levels of accuracy, the sonde is routinely swapped out with a pre-calibrated sonde by Meteor Communications.

The entire system runs on very low levels of power, with a small solar panel meeting the power requirement of the entire ESNET system. “This is very important,” explains Meteor MD Matt Dibbs. “These systems are usually installed in remote locations for customers such as the Environment Agency and utility companies; frequently these sites have no pre-existing power or communications capability.

“We were recently consulted by the Environment Audit Committee and provided them with a live demonstration; explaining how ESNET systems are monitoring UK rivers and providing alerts when potential pollution incidents could threaten bathing water quality. We hope that the Serpentine ESNET system will deliver similar benefits; helping the Park managers to improve the lake’s water quality.”

mine quality water monitoring

Meteor wins Hydrometry Framework contract with Coal Authority

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As a manufacturer of remote environmental monitoring systems, Meteor Communications has been awarded a framework contract by the Coal Authority to supply a range of hydrometric services, dataloggers and sensors to enable the continuous monitoring of mine water.

Meteor Communications successfully bid for Lot 3 of the Hydrometry Framework, which is comprised of 7 lots and will run for four years with an estimated total budget of £400,000.

“Meteor are delighted to have been selected by the Coal Authority for this framework contract,” explains Meteor’s MD Matt Dibbs. “Our systems and services are utilised across the UK by the Environment Agency, Water Utilities and Consultants and it’s great to be able to bring our expertise to the Coal Authority.”

The Coal Authority seeks to enhance the future prospects for people and the environment in mining areas, and to contribute to the delivery of the UK Government’s industrial strategy and the environmental, social and economic priorities of the UK, Scottish and Welsh Governments. This includes managing the effects of past coal mining and dealing with mine water pollution and other mining legacy issues.

IFAT Munich 2022

Low-power remote cameras on show at IFAT

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Using low power cameras to view remote assetsFollowing their hugely successful deployment all over the UK, the Meteor MRC Remote Camera Systems and the MeteorCloud web services will be on display at the MTRComs GmbH stand, number 401 in Hall B2 at the IFAT 2022 exhibition, which takes place at the Munich Messe from 30th May to 3rd June 2022.

 As a specialist manufacturer of remote cameras, MTRComs GmbH has established an office in Osnabrück, Germany, as part of the company’s expansion across mainland Europe. “Over 2,000 of our low-power cameras are currently operating in the UK,” explains company director Andrew Scott. “So, they have been thoroughly evaluated by customers such as water utilities and regulators, as well as flooding and drainage authorities.”

Typically, the MTRComs cameras are used to monitor important remote assets such as grilles, screens, channels, culverts and automated remote structures. Andrew says: “They are ideal for sites without mains power and communications infrastructure. This is because our low-power cameras are easy to deploy and are able to deliver both regular and on-demand images over cellular networks.”

The main advantage of remote cameras is that users are able to view sites remotely before deciding whether a visit is necessary, and also to determine what resources would be necessary for that visit. This means that less site visits are necessary, and wireless connectivity also means that operations such as camera configuration and firmware updates can be conducted remotely.

Andrew Scott and Matt Dibbs will be on the MTRComs stand to welcome IFAT visitors and provide live demonstrations of the company’s technologies.

Water Quality in Rivers EAC Report

UK parliamentary report calls for better river protection

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Meteor Communications has welcomed a report on river water quality, published by the UK Environmental Audit Committee (EAC). Following consultation with a wide variety of stakeholders, the Report revealed damning evidence of river pollution in England. However, Andrew Scott, Meteor’s Technical Director, who provided evidence to the committee, says: “Of course, it is good that this vitally important issue is being highlighted, and we are pleased to note that the Report specifies a wide range of measures that should be undertaken to improve water quality; all of which should be underpinned by effective monitoring.

“The Report also highlights the need for greater investment in infrastructure, which will be vital in the pursuit of the Report’s goals.”

The most recent data published by the Environment Agency, under obligations originally established by the EU Water Framework Directive, show that only 14% of English rivers met good ecological status and no river met good chemical status. The Environment Act 2021 empowers Ministers to set long-term statutory targets for the improvement of the natural environment, and requires a long-term target for the improvement of water to be set not later than 31 October 2022.

Several witnesses criticised the use of ‘spot sampling’ suggesting that this method dramatically reduces the likelihood of detecting pollution incidents. Witnesses also urged the introduction of continuous real-time monitoring of water quality. For example, Salmon and Trout Conservation observed that technological developments in monitoring meant that “continuous monitoring should now be both practical and affordable for the Environment Agency to use widely, especially at potentially high-risk locations such as sewage treatment works.” The Centre for Hydrology and Ecology concurred: “The use of multi-probe Sondes with telemetry to detect ammonium, turbidity and dissolved oxygen concentrations in effluents at hourly frequencies, alongside flow gauging, could provide an accurate estimate of pollution loadings coming from sewage treatment works, an early warning system to detect sewage treatment works failures and provide the key data for researchers to evaluate the impact of combined sewer overflows on downstream river water quality and ecology.”

The Report provided further evidence in support of continuous monitoring. For example, it said continuous monitoring could provide a high level of certainty as to the condition of a river and the causes of pollution, thus alleviating the need to apply complex statistical processes to data analysis. The technique could be cost-effective if used in a targeted way. It was suggested that if there is a particular problem to investigate, you can find out more from continuous monitoring in two weeks than you would probably find in many, many years of random sampling.

Salmon and Trout Conservation also recommended the use of continuous monitoring, especially with the ‘spikey’ nature of discharges from such industries as watercress and trout farming. It said that the technology has progressed so markedly that continuous monitoring should now be both practical and affordable for the Environment Agency to use widely, especially for potentially high-risk polluters such as sewage treatment works. In addition, the report said that the Environment Agency, in its submission, had said that it would like to explore the use of continuous monitors for the quality of effluent that could ‘trigger early warning if effluents were starting to deteriorate’ for regulatory purposes.

During his presentation to the EAC Andrew Scott explained that remote, continuous river water quality monitoring technology is already well-proven.

Swapping the water quality sonde is quick & easy“Over 300 of our Environmental Sensor Network (ESNET) outstations are currently monitoring UK rivers, but many more will be necessary in the future because, for example, there are over 6,000 sewage treatment works in England alone,” he explains. “The current ESNET users are the Environment Agency, seven water companies, environmental consultancies and other water sector bodies. ESNET produces scientifically robust, legally enforceable evidence that truly reflects the dynamic nature of the surface water environment. It differentiates and identifies sources of pollutants from man-made activity such as sewage treatment works, combined sewer overflows and agriculture; outputting high resolution data for the most important water quality parameters.”

Quick and easy to install, ESNET systems typically monitor parameters such as dissolved oxygen, temperature, pH, conductivity, turbidity, ammonium, Blue Green Algae and chlorophyll. However, it is also possible to include other water quality parameters as well as remote cameras, water level and flow, or meteorological measurements. The addition of autosamplers enables the collection of samples for laboratory analysis, which enables the measurement of other pollutants such as pharmaceuticals and plastics. Autosamplers can collect at pre-set intervals and/or when initiated by specific alarm conditions. This is a particular advantage for water companies and regulators because it enables the immediate collection of samples in response to a pollution incident, which informs mitigation measures and helps to identify the source of contamination.

The ESNET systems were designed specifically for the collection of real-time data from remote locations because they operate on very low power and wirelessly connect with the MeteorCloud web portal providing secure access for viewing and downloading data.

Summarising, Andrew says: “The EAC Report provides a detailed plan for improving water quality in our rivers, but as the Report says, this will require a significant investment in infrastructure. A relatively small part of that investment, we believe, should be in a much higher number of remote continuous water quality monitoring systems. This will significantly improve our understanding of pollution, enable rapid response to pollution incidents, and allow source attribution when such events occur. It is therefore very pleasing to note that the Report recommends that the Environment Agency should rapidly introduce cost-efficient and effective sensors at an increased number of locations.”

The full EAC Report: Water quality in rivers, can be downloaded at https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm5802/cmselect/cmenvaud/74/report.html

water quality in rivers

UK’s Environmental Audit Committee requests river water quality submission from Meteor

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The UK’s Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) has requested written evidence from Meteor Communications as part of the committee’s ongoing inquiry into water quality in rivers. The submission was timely because it was made while sewage spills were the subject of intense media attention, and after the Environment Act 2021 placed a new responsibility on sewerage undertakers to progressively reduce the impact of discharges from storm overflows.

“We have been following the EAC enquiry closely,” explains Meteor Technical Director Andrew Scott, “and with over 300 of our ESNET outstations currently monitoring UK rivers, we were concerned that some of the participants may not be fully aware of this technological capability.

“Conveniently, data from the Environment Agency’s pollution investigations were recently made public, so we were able to show the EAC examples of the ways in which our technology is able to continuously track the key signatures for different types of pollution, and how these can be correlated with events such as heavy rainfall; delivering legally defensible information.”

Following an online meeting with representatives of the EAC, Meteor staff were asked to provide a written submission, describing the current monitoring networks and explaining how these could be upscaled to monitor downstream and upstream of sewage treatment works in England.

ESNET water quality monitoring systems - fixed or portableThere are two main types of ESNET (Environmental Sensor NETwork) water quality monitoring system; a portable monitoring station, and a kiosk-housed pumped system for semi-permanent or fixed installations. The systems were developed to allow rapid deployment with no requirement for pre-existing power or communication infrastructure. As a result, high resolution, real-time, multiparameter water quality data can be obtained within minutes of deployment.

ESNET monitors are typically loaded with sensors for parameters such as dissolved oxygen, pH, conductivity, turbidity, ammonium, temperature, blue green algae and chlorophyll. However, it is also possible to include other water quality parameters as well as remote cameras, water level and flow, or meteorological measurements. The addition of autosamplers enables the collection of samples for laboratory analysis; either at pre-set intervals and/or initiated by specific alarm conditions. This is a particular advantage for water companies and regulators because it enables the immediate collection of samples in response to a pollution incident, which informs mitigation measures and helps to identify the source of contamination.

The EAC inquiry follows increasing concern about water quality in rivers, with just 14% of English rivers currently achieving ‘Good’ ecological status and no river rated ‘Good’ on its chemical status. It has also been reported that in 2020 there were over 400,000 discharges of raw sewage into English rivers.

Looking forward Andrew says: “All stakeholders are currently looking for ways to improve water quality in rivers, and effective continuous monitoring of receiving waters will perform a vital role in achieving that objective. In addition, the Environment Act 2021 places a new responsibility for monitoring the quality of watercourses into which storm overflows discharge.

“Water companies, regulators, consultants and water users can therefore be reassured that proven technology exists to better understand the factors affecting the quality of receiving waters.”

ATEX approved remote camera

New EX remote camera for monitoring hazardous areas

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We are delighted to announce the launch of our new MCE-MRC-EX camera, which is ATEX approved for use in Zone 1 & 2 hazardous areas.

Hundreds of Meteor Communications cameras are currently in operation all over the UK; helping to monitor and protect remote assets such as grilles, screens, channels, culverts and drains. However, many of our customers in the water, waste, construction, rail and aviation sectors need to also monitor hazardous areas, so the MCE-MRC-EX camera was developed specifically to meet that requirement.

Zone 1 & 2 hazardous areas are those in which there is a risk from the accumulation of an explosive gas. Typical locations therefore include confined spaces where there is a source of gases such as methane or petrochemicals, so the main applications for the MCE-MRC-EX camera will be in sewage and wastewater infrastructure, as well as in underground assets such as drains, culverts and pumping stations. Remote cameras can now be deployed in these locations to provide remote visibility of threats such as flooding.

The new camera is housed in an IP66 Ex-rated enclosure and an inbuilt IR or white light illuminator provides excellent low-light performance for clear, crisp images in any conditions. Images are transferred in real time via 4G with 3G/GPRS fallback, providing robust image transfer even from areas with poor mobile coverage. Images are sent to the ‘Meteor Cloud’ for secure viewing and analysis online, and there are options for those users wishing to integrate the images with their own applications.

The main advantage of remote cameras is that users are able to view sites remotely before deciding whether a visit is necessary, and also to determine what resources would be necessary for that visit. This means that less site visits are necessary, and wireless connectivity also means that operations such as camera configuration and firmware updates can be conducted remotely.

Importantly, all Meteor cameras allow direct connection of local sensors such as level switches and PIR sensors. Images can be delivered at scheduled intervals and be configured to trigger automatically from local sensors; providing additional images and alerts to users and entering enhanced polling modes.

The MCE-MRC-EX remote camera has a very low power requirement, whilst delivering high-quality, real-time images from remote assets within Zone 1 & 2 hazardous areas where data and mains power connections may not be available. Click here for more information.

Live data from remote cameras and water quality monitoring stations

Live data from remote monitoring stations on virtual WWEM booth 13/14 Oct 2021

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WWEM 2021

Virtual WWEM 2021: 13-14 October

As a specialist provider of low power, remote cameras and water quality monitors, Meteor Communications  will provide a virtual exhibition booth at this year’s Water, Wastewater & Environmental Monitoring event, WWEM 2021. Visitors to the booth will be able to view live examples of continuous, real-time remote monitoring stations and integrated data in the Meteor Data Cloud.

The virtual conference and exhibition will run on 13th and 14th October 2021 and pre-registered delegates  will be able to access the WWEM Conference sessions free of charge. However, delegates are invited to pre-book virtual meetings with Meteor Communications (either via the event website or directly via email) to ensure that appropriate expertise can be provided.

Delegates will be able to seek expert advice on how and where to install remote cameras for monitoring flood prevention assets for example, as well as how to apply the latest image recognition functionality.

Experts will also be available to provide help with water quality monitoring applications – where to install equipment; what to monitor, and how to obtain real-time data remotely. Visitors will be able to compare the relative merits of purchasing monitors and subscribing to the company’s ‘Water Quality as a Service’ offering.

water quality testing equipment

Meteor Communications wins Scottish Water monitoring contract

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 Meteor Communications has been awarded a multi-year shared framework agreement by Scottish Water for the provision of multi-parameter wastewater quality final effluent monitoring. The contract has an estimated value of £2 million and follows a competitive tendering process which began in November 2020.

Bidders were invited to tender for the supply of monitoring systems that are well suited to continuous remote monitoring of final effluent. Flexibility was required in terms of the monitoring parameters; the systems should be able to operate on low (ideally solar) power in a turbulent final effluent discharge. Secure access to cloud-based data was a key requirement, in addition to minimal levels of maintenance.

The data provided by the systems will allow operators to better understand plant performance and resilience, and provide further insights into performance trends, events and pollution incidents.

Following the contract award, Meteor Communications will supply ESNET (Environmental Sensor NETwork) portable and kiosk systems in conjunction with Xylem EXO multiparameter sondes to measure final effluent water quality. The ESNET systems met the tender requirements and are ideal for this application. Meteor’s MD Matt Dibbs explains: “Historically, the installation cost and on-site maintenance requirements of final effluent monitors at smaller wastewater plants have been preclusive, but the development of ESNET systems has meant that water companies can now equip smaller rural plants with a comprehensive monitoring capability.

“There are hundreds of ESNET systems delivering water quality data from all over the UK, providing customers with high-resolution, real-time, accurate data to manage their resources with greater confidence.”

“In addition to fixed applications, portable ESNETs can also be deployed in minutes; providing users with the opportunity to easily move the monitors from site to site in order to conduct short-term investigations and assessments.”

This contract award builds on the existing ESNET network in place with Scottish Water which is already providing data that can be viewed securely using the MeteorCloud™ portal on a tablet, PC or smartphone. The Meteor Data Centre is integrated with Scottish Water SCADA as well as upcoming platforms to deliver a futureproof solution.

As part of the framework, Meteor will provide training to Scottish Water personnel to build a comprehensive knowledge base around water quality monitoring to enhance understanding of works performance.

ESNET water quality monitoring systems - fixed or portable

Water Quality as a Service (WQaaS)

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For decades, anyone needing to monitor water quality would purchase equipment to measure the parameters of interest. Today, Meteor Communications has challenged that model with their ‘Water Quality as a Service’ (WQaaS) solution.

“Ultimately, people monitor water quality because they need data,” explains Meteor’s MD Matt Dibbs. “So, we would happily sell them water quality monitoring systems, but many of our customers now prefer to just pay for the data – and let us manage the equipment.”

This radical approach has proved so popular with water companies, regulators and environmental consultants that hundreds of stations are now in the field, delivering continuous real-time, water quality data.

Matt says: “Our monitoring systems are ideal for providing real-time data from remote locations because they operate on very low power and wirelessly connect with the MeteorCloud secure web portal providing secure access for clients to view and download their own data.”

Wireless environmental sensor networks

Working with water companies and government agencies, Meteor Communications developed the ESNET (Environmental Sensor NETwork) autonomous water quality monitoring systems to allow rapid deployment with no requirement for pre-existing power or communication infrastructure. Modular and with multiparameter capability as well as built-in communications, ESNET systems deliver robust, high resolution real-time water quality data within minutes of deployment. The systems are available as a complete portable monitoring station or as part of a kiosk pumped system for semi-permanent or fixed installations. ESNET enables the rapid creation of monitoring networks, which is a particular advantage in the monitoring of catchments because it allows water managers to track the movement of water quality issues as they pass through a river system.

Swapping the water quality sonde is quick & easyESNET sondes are typically loaded with sensors for parameters such as dissolved oxygen, temperature, pH, conductivity, turbidity, ammonium, Blue Green Algae and chlorophyll. However, it is also possible to include other water quality parameters as well as remote cameras, water level and flow, or meteorological measurements. The addition of autosamplers enables the collection of samples for laboratory analysis; either at pre-set intervals and/or initiated by specific alarm conditions. This is a particular advantage for water companies and regulators because it enables the immediate collection of samples in response to a pollution incident, which informs mitigation measures and helps to identify the source of contamination.

How ‘Water Quality as a Service’ works

Under a WQaaS agreement, Meteor Communications installs ESNET stations at the customers’ sites, measuring pre-specified parameters. Meteor is then responsible for all aspects of the installation and retains ownership of the equipment. The provision of high intensity (typically 15 minute intervals) water quality data is assured by daily online checks that the stations are performing correctly. In addition, regular site visits are conducted for service and maintenance including monthly visits to swap the water quality sondes with duplicates which have been calibrated at Meteor’s dedicated Water Quality Services Hub near Basingstoke. “This ability to swap sondes is a vitally important feature of the service,” Matt explains. “By providing this service to all WQaaS customers there is a major benefit of scale, because this has enabled us to establish a dedicated sonde service and calibration facility that is able to process large batches of sondes quickly and effectively.”

Advantages of non-ownership model

The most important advantages are financial. With no capital costs, this model provides enormous flexibility for the users of the service because it means that they only have to spend money on the data that they need. In addition, there are no equipment depreciation costs and no requirement for investment in the resources that are necessary for ongoing service and calibration.

For many of Meteor’s customers, the main advantage is peace of mind, because continuity of data is usually vitally important. With staff from its Water Quality Services Hub checking outstations every day, combined with regular site visits, users of the system can rest assured that uninterrupted monitoring will generate a comprehensive dataset. On rare occasions, monitoring activities can be hampered by vandalism or even natural events, but the WQaaS system ensures that such issues are detected immediately, so that appropriate action can be implemented quickly to protect the continuity of data.

Risk reduction is also an advantage, because purchased equipment can fail, resulting in a requirement for repairs or replacement parts, which may cause a loss of data continuity. However, under the WQaaS scheme, Meteor is responsible for the system’s uptime, so spares for all of the ESNET’s modules are kept on standby as rapid replacements.

Where water quality monitoring is required for a specific project, the equipment can be tailored to meet precise needs, and at the end of the project the monitoring equipment is simply removed. This is ideal for consultants or researchers bidding for projects with a monitoring element, because it allows them to define the costs very accurately in advance.

Flexibility is the key benefit for water company users of the WQaaS model. Traditionally, final effluent water quality monitoring at wastewater treatment plants is undertaken by fixed equipment installed with appropriate capital works. This means that mainly larger plants benefit from continuous monitoring, so the major advantage of the ESNET systems is that they can be rapidly deployed at any site; delivering water quality insights later that same day. Then, once the investigation is complete, the equipment can be easily moved to a different plant.

Summarising Matt says: “This technology has been developed over many years, and with hundreds of systems already in the field we have invested heavily in the resources that are necessary to support these networks. This means that our customers do not need to make the same investment, which delivers efficiency and cost-saving benefits for everyone.

“We still sell ESNET systems to those for whom ownership makes more sense, but for many others the advantages of WQaaS are significant, because when the monitoring stops; so does the cost!”

Meteor Communications Ltd.
Orion House,
Alban Park,
St Albans,
Herts,
AL4 0JJ
Tel: 01727 899 990