100 LPWAN Solutions for Water and Wastewater Industry
- Client Growth Team
- 9 hours ago
- 9 min read
The water and wastewater sector stands at the crossroads of transformation, driven by the dual pressures of aging infrastructure and growing environmental demands. As a utility monitoring expert, it is evident that traditional monitoring techniques no longer suffice in achieving efficiency, resilience, and sustainability. Enter LPWAN (Low Power Wide Area Network) technologies, such as NB-IoT and LoRaWAN.
These innovations have revolutionized how data is gathered, transmitted, and analyzed across vast and complex networks. LPWAN enables cost-effective, battery-powered, long-range remote monitoring across urban and rural landscapes. For water utilities, this means real-time insights into pressure, flow, level, leaks, and quality metrics — all delivered with minimal maintenance, low infrastructure investment, and exceptional reliability.
The following is a curated list of 100 LPWAN-based solutions specifically designed to enhance operations, reduce losses, ensure regulatory compliance, and future-proof utilities in the water and wastewater industry.
Top 20 Major Solutions in The Industry:
1. Real-Time Water Pressure Monitoring
LPWAN-enabled pressure sensors can be deployed across a distribution network to continuously monitor pressure fluctuations, identify pressure zones, and detect bursts or anomalies in near real-time. This proactive insight significantly reduces water losses and supports optimized pump scheduling.
2. Remote Water Level Monitoring in Reservoirs
By installing LPWAN-compatible level sensors in reservoirs, utilities can remotely track water availability and trigger alerts when levels drop below critical thresholds. This helps in managing supply under drought conditions and ensures regulatory compliance.
3. Leak Detection in Distribution Networks
Smart leak detection devices using LPWAN can monitor flow inconsistencies and pressure drops to quickly locate leaks. These systems can operate on battery for several years and transmit alerts without requiring constant human intervention.
4. Flow Monitoring in Transmission Mains
Flow meters embedded with LPWAN modules provide real-time data on high-volume mains transmission. The insight enables balancing flows, reducing unaccounted-for water, and ensuring the infrastructure is operating within designed parameters.
5. Water Quality Monitoring in Catchments
Environmental monitoring stations fitted with LPWAN water quality sensors (for pH, turbidity, conductivity, and more) help authorities track catchment health and pollution sources, facilitating preventive action before problems escalate.
6. Valve Position Monitoring
LPWAN sensors on valve actuators provide feedback on open/closed positions, helping utilities manage water routing more efficiently. These sensors are critical in automating district metering areas (DMAs) and emergency response protocols.
7. Pump Performance Monitoring
Pump stations equipped with LPWAN sensors can monitor vibration, temperature, pressure, and energy usage. This enhances predictive maintenance, reduces unplanned downtime, and increases asset lifespan.
8. Chlorine Residual Tracking
Maintaining appropriate chlorine levels throughout the network is crucial. LPWAN chlorine sensors provide distributed monitoring at remote points, ensuring safe water delivery and avoiding regulatory breaches.
9. Acoustic Leak Detection Integration
Integrating acoustic sensors with LPWAN gateways allows utilities to receive early leak alerts in high-risk pipe zones. These solutions work especially well in metal pipelines and older networks.
10. Sewer Level Monitoring in Manholes
Manhole-mounted level sensors, operating over LPWAN, detect rising sewage levels and prevent overflows. These are critical in storm events and high-inflow periods, improving compliance and reducing environmental fines.
11. Groundwater Level Monitoring
Monitoring groundwater levels using LPWAN-enabled sensors allows utilities to detect seasonal changes, over-extraction, and drought impacts. These insights are critical for sustainable aquifer management and compliance with water rights regulations.
12. Groundwater Quality Monitoring
Deploying LPWAN sensors to continuously monitor pH, turbidity, and contaminant levels in aquifers supports early detection of pollution sources, ensuring timely remediation and safe water supplies.
13. Reservoir Level Monitoring
Remote sensors installed in reservoirs provide real-time level data, assisting in managing water storage, predicting drought conditions, and preventing overflow during storms.
14. River Flow Rate Monitoring
LPWAN-connected flow meters track real-time river discharge, which is essential for flood prediction, water allocation planning, and ecological sustainability.
15. Rainwater Harvesting System Monitoring
Sensors can measure rainwater collection and tank levels, allowing homeowners, facilities, and municipalities to maximize use of free, clean water resources and reduce pressure on potable systems.
16. Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) Monitoring
In older cities with combined sewer systems, LPWAN solutions enable real-time detection of overflow events, improving response time and supporting regulatory compliance.
17. Manhole Intrusion Detection
LoRaWAN or NB-IoT sensors detect unauthorized opening of manhole covers, helping utilities prevent tampering, reduce safety hazards, and monitor maintenance activities.
18. Smart Water Meters
LPWAN-connected smart meters provide high-frequency consumption data, enabling leak detection, customer billing accuracy, and behavior-based conservation programs.
19. Pressure Monitoring in Distribution Network
Pressure sensors distributed throughout water pipelines identify drops due to leaks, bursts, or unauthorized access, supporting proactive maintenance and reducing water loss.
20. Pressure Zone Management
Utilities can use LPWAN sensors to segment and optimize pressure zones across their networks, reducing energy use, minimizing pipe stress, and extending infrastructure life.
100 LPWAN Solutions Categorized Based on the Solution Type
Water Level Monitoring
Tank Level Monitoring Enables real-time level tracking in overhead or underground water tanks. Utilities can optimize pumping cycles, avoid overflow, and ensure consistent supply.
Groundwater Level Monitoring Supports sustainable water table management by monitoring seasonal and extraction-related changes across borefields and recharge zones.
Reservoir Level Monitoring Allows operators to remotely track capacity, schedule releases, and balance storage across multiple water sources during droughts or storms.
Wastewater Pump Station Level Monitoring Critical for lift station operation—ensures timely pump activation and helps prevent backups and environmental breaches.
Stormwater Basin Level Monitoring Monitors retention or detention basins to mitigate flash flooding and optimize green infrastructure performance.
Manhole Level Monitoring Detects blockages or inflow & infiltration (I&I) during wet weather by tracking unusual water rises in manholes.
River Level Monitoring Provides real-time data for flood forecasting and helps manage intake planning for treatment plants.
Clarifier Sludge Blanket Monitoring Tracks the sludge interface level to optimize sludge removal, reduce energy use, and maintain effluent quality.
Industrial Effluent Tank Level Monitoring Ensures compliance with discharge volume and timing limits for industrial users connected to municipal systems.
Rainwater Harvesting System Monitoring Enables optimal reuse of captured water in public buildings, treatment plants, or facilities, minimizing reliance on mains water.
Cooling Tower Water Level Monitoring Ensures proper operation of utility cooling systems, with automated refill alerts and dry-run protection.
Chemical Tank Level Monitoring Tracks dosing chemical levels remotely for treatment plants to prevent outages or overdosing.
Water Tower Level Monitoring Controls high-elevation tank fill/empty cycles to balance system pressure and capacity.
Lined Lagoon Level Monitoring Ensures safe operation of lagoon-based treatment systems by preventing overflow or underflow conditions.
Septic Tank Level Monitoring in Rural Areas Allows proactive scheduling of pump-outs and helps prevent spillage into sensitive environments.
Hydropower Reservoir Monitoring Supports energy-water nexus optimization by tracking upstream storage for hydro turbines.
Canal Level Monitoring for Irrigation Authorities Improves planning of open-channel flows and minimizes manual site visits.
Desalination Brine Tank Monitoring Ensures proper disposal or neutralization of brine concentrate from desal plants.
Portable Tank Level Monitoring for Emergency Response Used in disaster relief or mobile treatment units to manage water supply logistics.
Wet Well Level Monitoring at Collection Points Offers insight into sewer loading and helps coordinate downstream pumping and treatment.
Flow Monitoring
Distribution Main Flow Monitoring Identifies imbalances and helps spot leaks or illegal connections in distribution zones.
Treated Water Flow Verification Verifies pump station output vs expected flows and optimizes energy consumption per volume delivered.
Open Channel Flow in Canals Tracks gravity-fed irrigation systems for agricultural efficiency.
Effluent Flow Measurement Provides final discharge validation for compliance and billing to trade waste customers.
Irrigation Zone Flow Balancing Enables remote metering for farms and irrigation districts.
Sewer Flow Monitoring in Interceptor Mains Offers advanced hydraulic modeling and overflow prevention capability.
Firewater System Flow Testing Verifies hydrant and sprinkler system readiness via automated testing.
Customer Supply Flow Profiling Detects abnormal spikes, suggesting leaks, theft, or burst events.
Dead-End Main Flow Monitoring Tracks low-usage pipe zones prone to stagnation and disinfection loss.
Reverse Flow Detection Ensures valves and pumps are functioning correctly, preventing contamination from backflow.
Pressure and Leakage Monitoring
Pressure Monitoring in Distribution Network Detects pressure drops that indicate bursts or serious leaks.
Surge Pressure Logging Captures pressure spikes from pump startups or valve slams that cause long-term pipeline fatigue.
Smart District Pressure Zoning Enables optimized pressure management for energy and leakage reduction.
Pump Discharge Pressure Monitoring Identifies pump degradation and helps maintain flow efficiency.
Negative Pressure Alarm in Gravity Mains Prevents cavitation and intrusion of contaminants into water pipes.
Air Valve Monitoring Detects blocked or failed air release valves, which can cause pressure problems.
Service Line Pressure Logging Supports customer complaints resolution with real-time historical data.
Pressure Balance Optimization in Looped Networks Enhances system resiliency and reduces pressure fluctuation complaints.
Zonal Water Loss Estimation Combines pressure and flow data for accurate non-revenue water (NRW) modeling.
Water Hammer Early Warning System Prevents mechanical failure from sudden transient pressures.
Quality & Environmental Monitoring
Chlorine Residual Monitoring Tracks disinfectant levels in remote pipes or storage tanks.
pH and ORP Monitoring Maintains chemical stability in both drinking and treated wastewater systems.
Turbidity Monitoring in Raw Water Provides early warnings for changes in source water quality.
Ammonia and Nitrate Detection Ensures biological treatment systems are functioning properly.
Dissolved Oxygen Monitoring in Lagoons Supports aerobic digestion and sludge reduction in passive systems.
Conductivity and Salinity Monitoring Detects salinity intrusion in coastal wells or effluent quality problems.
Heavy Metals Detection in Industrial Discharge Protects downstream biological processes and compliance.
Temperature Monitoring for Chlorine Decay Zones Identifies conditions that accelerate chlorine breakdown.
BOD and COD Estimation via Proxy Sensors Supports biological loading estimation and plant optimization.
Oil and Grease Sensors in Sewer Mains Detects illegal discharges or FOG (fats, oils, grease) accumulation.
Stormwater Quality Monitoring in Inlets Tracks urban runoff and supports catchment pollution control.
Odor and Gas Detection at Treatment Sites Improves worker safety with alerts for H2S, CH4, and CO buildup.
Rain Gauge Stations in Catchments Feeds rainfall data for flood modeling and treatment plant inflow planning.
Smart Weather Station for Remote Facilities Adds local weather context for operations and forecasting.
Remote Environmental Compliance Monitoring Eliminates need for routine manual sampling at outfalls.
Discharge pH Monitoring in Natural Waterways Ensures neutralization is effective and meets license conditions.
Sewer Hydrogen Sulfide Monitoring Prevents corrosion of infrastructure and enables dosage planning for odour control.
Wetland Discharge Quality Tracking Monitors treated wastewater re-entering ecosystems.
Salinity Gradient Monitoring in Estuaries Assesses the freshwater-seawater interface in shared catchments.
TSS and Sediment Load Monitoring Supports clarity compliance and early detection of erosion or scouring.
Asset Health, Maintenance, and Emergency Operations
Smart Water Metering via LoRaWAN or NB-IoT Improves billing accuracy, leak detection, and customer engagement.
Backflow Prevention Device Monitoring Ensures devices are in place and operating to protect the distribution system.
Pump Vibration and Motor Health Monitoring Predicts mechanical wear and reduces unplanned outages.
Panel Temperature and Humidity Monitoring Prevents condensation damage in electrical cabinets.
Generator Fuel and Runtime Monitoring Supports backup readiness at remote pump or treatment sites.
Valve Status Monitoring (Open/Closed) Ensures control and verification in zone isolation or emergency response.
Reservoir Structural Health Sensors Detects seismic activity or structural strain using tilt/vibration sensors.
Cathodic Protection Voltage Monitoring Tracks corrosion protection levels in metallic pipes and tanks.
Overflow Weir Alerting System Sends alarms when stormwater or effluent bypasses occur.
Smart Bin Fill-Level Monitoring Manages biosolids, grit, or chemical waste bins for timely removal.
Fire Hydrant Tamper and Pressure Monitoring Prevents theft and ensures emergency functionality.
Seepage Detection Around Earthen Dams or Ponds Prevents catastrophic failures and water loss.
Infiltration & Inflow (I&I) Monitoring in Sewers Identifies rainwater or groundwater entering sewer systems.
Remote Control of Chemical Dosing Systems Enables precision dosing and tank level tracking.
Tilt Sensors for Pump Stations in Flood Zones Detects physical displacement during high-flow events.
Cross-Border Water Sharing Telemetry Enables coordinated data-sharing between jurisdictions.
Smart Irrigation Controls in Recycled Water Zones Automates flow based on moisture and weather inputs.
Dead-End Flushing Trigger Systems Automates flushing cycles to prevent water stagnation.
Portable Lab Data Sync via LPWAN Allows field technicians to upload results from remote sampling.
LPWAN-Powered Emergency Beacons for Crews Ensures safety of field staff working in isolated environments.
Data Aggregation into AI/ML Platforms Feeds predictive maintenance and optimization algorithms with rich datasets.
Sensor-Based Event Correlation Engine Identifies cause-effect patterns between network anomalies.
SCADA Backup Channels via LPWAN Provides resilience in remote telemetry communication failures.
Dynamic Source Switching Logging Logs events when switching between groundwater, surface, or recycled sources.
Reservoir Roof Integrity Monitoring Detects structural deformation or damage to storage structures.
Slope Movement Monitoring at Dam Embankments Monitors stability and risk in critical water infrastructure.
Treated Effluent Reuse System Monitoring Tracks quantity and quality of water reused in agriculture or industry.
Vibration Monitoring on Pipe Bridges Ensures early warning of structural fatigue or excessive movement.
GIS-Based LPWAN Asset Tracking Integrates sensors with mapping layers for field planning and maintenance.
Remote Asset Condition Scoring Ranks health of distributed equipment for CAPEX prioritization.
Digital Twin Data Syncing Feeds sensor data to virtual models for simulation and scenario testing.
Floodgate Position Monitoring in Canals Tracks gate status for irrigation or stormwater control.
Energy Optimization in Pumping Operations Matches energy input to real-time flow and pressure demand.
Predictive Maintenance of Chlorinators Uses vibration, temperature, and usage data to prevent failures.
Portable Booster Pump Monitoring Tracks pressure, runtime, and fuel during temporary deployments.
Smart Drainage Systems for Urban Developments Combines rainfall, flow, and pump data to manage urban runoff.
Advanced Non-Revenue Water Dashboard Integration Centralizes loss, pressure, and meter data for utility KPIs.
Wastewater Temperature Monitoring for Infiltration Cold inflows suggest rain or groundwater entering sewers.
AI-Based Overflow Prediction Systems Uses LPWAN-fed models to forecast and prevent SSOs or CSOs.
Multi-Utility LPWAN Integration Enables shared sensor platforms for water, wastewater, stormwater, and energy services.
