Demonstration Test Catchments

Key Features

• Comprehensive monitoring and control system
• In situ sensors, flowcells and online analysers
• Sensorweb technology
• Real time data requirement
• Multiple web portal access and data visualisation

The Demonstration Test Catchments (DTC) programme is an initiative run by DEFRA to baseline, monitor and improve a set of three river catchments: the Wensum, Eden and Avon. The programme is being co-ordinated by the Environment Agency and each catchment is managed by a member of the DTC consortium. These are:

• University of East Anglia – Wensum
• University of Lancaster – Eden
• ADAS – Avon

Following on from the successful use of Meteor telemetry systems within the Environment Agency the telemetry team from Thames region EA demonstrated to DEFRA that the system formed the ideal platform for the DTC programme, giving a substantial saving over other telemetry systems which were under consideration, whilst giving a future proof system for expansion of the programme.

Meteor Communications were selected as the chosen telemetry provider for DTC in March 2010 and have been working closely with the DEFRA, EA and Consortium teams to fulfil and exceed the programme monitoring targets.

Each Catchment consists of a number of monitoring elements. Firstly the Catchment Outlet monitor contains monitoring equipment for flow, turbidity, DO, Conductivity, pH, analysers for Ammonia, Phosphates and Nitrates and Autosamplers which can be triggered directly by any of the available sensors (or using algorithms for flow / volume proportional scenarios).

Secondly a number of mini catchment monitors are used for the upper reaches of the catchment, being a combination of small portable suitcase systems and compact kiosks. These solar powered kiosks contain a multi parameter water quality sonde (DO, Temp, pH, Conductivity, Ammonium), autosampler and peristaltic pump / flowcell. Directly situated in the river is the ultrasonic flowmeter, turbidity probe and level sensor.

The team from Thames EA have played a key co-ordinating role in the project, managing the assembly, integration and installation of the monitoring system.

Meteor have built on the experience gained from working with the EA for over 20 years to provide a system which not only fulfils the requirement of giving real time data for analysis but a network which can pro-actively react to conditions in the catchment to capture all events.

A key factor in the use of Meteor for this project was the multidisciplinary aspects of the project. Integrating diverse sensor technologies, pump control systems and samplers at the monitoring stations through to a consolidated web portal for use by all stakeholders in the DTC consortium.

The data visualisation for DTC is a further development of the platform Meteor have established for their existing customer base, which allows display and control of a diverse range of outstations and monitoring methodologies. With all data being hosted at the Meteor Data Centre this will allow for development of dedicated web portals for a variety of stakeholder groups, and data integration with platforms such as the NERC Virtual Observatory.