IoT And Smart Stormwater Management In The Face Of Climate Extremes
By Phil Beecher
While climate change is most often associated with water scarcity concerns, its connection to severe storms cannot be overlooked — in terms of both potential dangers and benefits.
The dynamic nature of our climate patterns brings with it the need for innovative and adaptable solutions. This spring, severe storms and higher than average snowmelt caused runoff issues that placed immense pressure on both urban and agricultural environments. In California, atmospheric rivers pushed rainfall across the state to 400%-600% above average,1 with the resulting flooding costing more than a billion dollars.2 With La Niña officially over after three years and the likelihood that El Niño will develop this year,3 chances for increased Pacific rainfall further rise.
On the flip side, this summer’s sweltering heat in the American Southwest4 was a harsh reminder of the imperative to manage water resources effectively. With the ever-increasing presence of technological advancements, leveraging IoT (Internet of Things) in stormwater management is not just smart, but essential.
The Dual Challenge Of Climate Variability
As regions worldwide grapple with the impacts of climate change, the contrast between wet and dry periods becomes more pronounced. Last winter’s severe storms left an indelible mark on the American landscape, particularly the increasing volumes of water runoff that must be properly managed to avoid damage and to bolster reservoirs.
Water management in extreme conditions becomes a twofold challenge: first, to effectively manage and channel this runoff during wet seasons, and, second, to preserve it as a resource to combat the dry summer months.
Moreover, the soaring temperatures this summer across much of the U.S. exemplify the second half of this challenge. Dry summer months place a strain on aquifers. By managing stormwater runoff during wetter seasons, we can replenish these aquifers, ensuring consistent water supply during periods of scarcity.
IoT: Advancing Stormwater Management
In an extreme weather environment that we are still trying to understand, IoT’s integration into stormwater management can be likened to fitting our cities with a new set of intelligent eyes and ears. Through IoT networks that connect a variety of “smart devices” across large-scale outdoor networks, IoT sensors and devices can capture real-time data regarding water levels, quality, and flow rates. This data, in turn, allows for timely and effective decision-making.
Recent research from Wi-SUN Alliance5 reveals an appetite for these types of IoT implementations. Nearly three-quarters of respondents were eager for the development of weather and climate-related initiatives. Additionally, a full 75% shared that they support the need for pilot programs to prove the value of innovative IoT deployments, wherein cities experiment with integrating IoT technology into their stormwater management systems. These pilots serve as a foundation for larger, more widespread initiatives, driving the move toward more sustainable urban water management.
The Imperative Of Open Standards
In the world of technology, as with stormwater management, flexibility is key. This is where open standards come in, both with regard to the sensors and devices, as well as with the networks that they operate on.
From a device standpoint, open data standards ensure compatibility allowing a wide range of devices to communicate seamlessly, ensuring that the collected data is cohesive, integrated, and actionable.
Furthermore, open standards encourage competition among vendors, ensuring that state and local governments have access to the best, most cost-effective solutions. This creates an ecosystem where technological advancements can be rapidly adopted, ensuring that our stormwater management systems are always at the forefront of what’s possible.
Communication network technology cannot be overlooked. Cellular networks, including 5G communications, lack the energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness for running a water network. Municipalities and states can benefit from deploying field area networks (FANs) based on wireless mesh topologies. Open-standards-based FAN technology — such as Wi-SUN FAN which is designed to support large-scale outdoor networks — helps drive down costs and improve energy efficiency while delivering enterprise-grade security and interoperability, providing support for a diverse range of devices.
An Interconnected Future
Our climatic challenges are complex, requiring solutions that are both innovative and interconnected. The extreme weather events of the past year — from torrential winter storms to scorching summer heatwaves — underline the importance of a responsive, smart stormwater management system. By embracing IoT technology and the principles of open standards, we’re not just responding to these challenges but actively preparing for a future where such events might become the norm. Through innovation, pilot programs, and the commitment to integrated solutions, we pave the way for a more sustainable and resilient urban landscape.
References:
- https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/150823/storms-soak-california
- https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/10/us/california-storm-damage.html
- https://public.wmo.int/en/media/press-release/wmo-update-prepare-elni%C3%B1o
- https://www.cnn.com/2023/07/17/weather/southwest-us-arizona-record-heat/index.html
- https://wi-sun.org/news/utilities-call-for-smart-utility-investment/
About The Author
Phil Beecher is the president and CEO of Wi-SUN Alliance and a recognized global expert on wireless IoT. He can be reached at pbeecher@wi-sun.org.