Pipelife Smart Solutions: Water Storage Management Made Easy

Monitoring drinking water reservoirs, particularly in remote areas with limited infrastructure, can be time-consuming — but it doesn't have to be! A year ago, an Austrian water cooperative chose to equip a remote elevated tank in Safental with Pipelife's smart solutions, enabling remote monitoring, real-time data access and automated alerts. The new system has reduced the need for time-consuming and costly on-site inspections while offering more comprehensive insights into the local water supply network.

_{Increased Operational Efficiency Through Smart Solutions}

Access to clean water is a fundamental human right, and ensuring uninterrupted drinking water supply remains a top priority for water utilities. Having up-to-date information on water levels in reservoirs, consumption peaks and potential supply network issues can be crucial for utility personnel, as these data enable immediate action.

However, elevated drinking water tanks are often located in remote areas with limited local infrastructure or power supply. Such is the case with the reservoir in Safental, Eastern Styria, operated by the Schönau-Safental Water Cooperative. 

For years, regular on-site inspections of the reservoir were the only way for the utility to monitor water levels and assess the reservoir's overall status. These inspections required time-consuming trips by employees, sometimes even during holidays or in adverse weather conditions. Moreover, the utility lacked access to in-depth insights, such as predictive forecasts based on historical data.  

With the support and expertise of Pipelife Austria's Smart Solutions team, the Cooperative has found a safe, simple, and efficient management solution for the Safental reservoir, utilizing Pipelife's smart level sensor and Pipelife SmartHub technologies.

_{Pipelife's Smart Level Sensor Ticks All the Boxes}

In 2023, the elevated tank of the Schönau-Safental Water Cooperative was equipped with Pipelife's smart level sensor. The compact device, measuring just 90 x 90 mm, does not require a power connection and is designed to ensure reliable performance even in damp environments. The long-lasting, battery-powered operation was a crucial advantage, considering the remote location of the Safental reservoir. 

Using radar and sensor technology, Pipelife's smart level sensor measures the distance to the water surface with one-centimeter accuracy at adjustable intervals. The sensor suite also collects additional data, such as ambient temperature. All collected data are securely transmitted to the cloud-based Pipelife SmartHub monitoring and control platform, and the transmission intervals can be customized to the operator's needs and preferences.

^{Pipelife SmartHub: Industry 4.0 Technologies for Water Supply} 

Pipelife SmartHub streamlines data management and analysis for utilities, offering 24/7 access via an internet-connected device, such as a laptop or tablet. As the Safental reservoir is equipped with Pipelife's smart level sensor, SmartHub pulls sensor data to deliver a detailed overview, with the interface customized to meet the customer's specific needs. 

For the Cooperative, SmartHub provides continuous access to critical data from the Safental reservoir, including:

• Fill level (cm)

• Filled and available volume (m3)

• Ambient temperature (°C)

Both real-time data and graphical progressions are displayed and stored long-term within the platform. Additionally, SmartHub offers secure documentation storage through its digital asset management feature, allowing for logs and other records to be easily accessed.

One of SmartHub's most valuable functions is its automated alarm system. Operators can set up notifications to be sent via text message and/or email when predefined thresholds are exceeded or not met. This allows for timely intervention before issues escalate, eliminating the need for frequent on-site inspections.

_{Preparing Today for Tomorrow's Challenges} 

The adoption of Pipelife's smart solutions has revolutionized the way the Schönau-Safental Water Cooperative manages its elevated tank in Safental. With continuous remote monitoring, real-time data access, and automated alerts, the Cooperative can ensure reliable and efficient drinking water supply without labor-intensive site visits. Pipelife's smart level sensor and SmartHub technologies have reduced operational costs and provided deeper insights into the water supply system, paving the way for proactive management and long-term sustainability.