How Dutch Water Utility Dunea Protects Coastal Drinking Water

In the Netherlands, with nearly one-third of the land surface below sea level, the battle against saltwater intrusion has geared-up innovation in water management. A partnership between water utility Dunea and iFLUX showcases how state-of-the-art technology can protect vital coastal water resources.

Dunea's extraction sites, located within coastal dunes, face unique challenges. While the construction of the Sand Motor nature-based defence system is excellent for protecting the coastline, it has introduced new complexities to pre-existing groundwater dynamics. Adding to this challenge is a historical World War II bombing dump site within the dunes, creating potential contamination risks that require protective monitoring.

Revolutionary Monitoring Technology

To address these challenges, iFLUX implemented an advanced monitoring network featuring:

• Fifteen sophisticated flux sensors strategically positioned throughout the extraction area
• Continuous measurement of groundwater levels, velocity and direction
• Real-time telemetric data transmission 

 

iFLUX Sensing Solutions

A network of sensors provides real-time data about groundwater movement or flux, measuring water flow rates ranging from less than 1 centimeter to 4 meters per day at various depths.

The Power of Artificial Intelligence

The system integrates with the Timeseer.ai platform, adding intelligent oversight to water resource protection. This AI system continuously analyzes incoming data, monitoring sensor performance and identifying anomalies that might indicate developing threats or technical issues.

Network maintenance or operational adjustments can be facilitated by adding this extra layer to an already advanced network, cutting costs along the way.

Building Future Resilience

Our sophisticated monitoring solution offers more than just data collection - it provides a comprehensive approach to water resource protection that can be tailored to other utilities' needs facing similar challenges. By enabling data-driven decision-making and continuous monitoring, we help to ensure the long-term sustainability of drinking water resources while building resilience against future challenges posed by climate change.

The success of this project demonstrates how innovative technology can be effectively applied to protect vital water resources. As coastal regions worldwide face increasing pressure from climate change and urbanization, iFLUX Sensing Solutions become game changers. 

Check out the full story in this YouTube video: 

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