Improved water quality in Flanders thanks to smart data analysis and the Internet of Things
Flanders leads the way in intelligently monitoring water quality. Utilizing Internet of Things (IoT) technology, the Flemish Environment Agency (VMM) can detect pollution faster and more precisely.
Flanders leads the way in intelligently monitoring water quality. Utilizing Internet of Things (IoT) technology, the Flemish Environment Agency (VMM) can detect pollution faster and more precisely. Smart data analysis enables better protection of the ecology of our watercourses. Geosparc, as a technical partner, contributes to making this possible. The European Union and VLAIO support the project.
Clean water in our rivers is crucial for both humans and animals. It is also indispensable for industry and agriculture. Heavy rainfall, illegal dumping, or firefighting water can contaminate our waterways. Flanders has a historical advantage in water quality monitoring and is now taking an additional step as the first region.
IoT, Data, and AI in Environmental Service
Probes in our watercourses measure parameters such as temperature, pH level, oxygen content, conductivity, turbidity, or the concentration of specific substances. The Flemish Environment Agency collects the data and takes appropriate actions. In case of an incident, the system triggers targeted alarms.
"New Internet of Things technology makes this approach more efficient," says Rudy Cautaerts, head of the Flemish Environment Agency. "Thanks to digital measurement techniques, we can collect data 24/7. We intelligently analyze and evaluate this vast amount of data, giving it predictive value."
Predictive algorithms enable the system to calculate, for example, the likelihood of a decrease in oxygen levels in the water with a risk of fish mortality. It proactively activates oxygen machines to keep the fish alive. The technology also helps identify polluters more efficiently and holds them accountable for environmental damage.
Philippe Vertonghen of VMM adds, "With smart data processing, we trace the location and source of pollution faster and more accurately. It allows us to intervene timely. When beet pulp from a French sugar factory flowed into the Scheldt after a dam breach, we immediately identified the pollution location and its downstream drift. The damage was limited."
IoT, Data, and AI in Environmental Service
Probes in our watercourses measure parameters such as temperature, pH level, oxygen content, conductivity, turbidity, or the concentration of specific substances. The Flemish Environment Agency collects the data and takes appropriate actions. In case of an incident, the system triggers targeted alarms.
"New Internet of Things technology makes this approach more efficient," says Rudy Cautaerts, head of the Flemish Environment Agency. "Thanks to digital measurement techniques, we can collect data 24/7. We intelligently analyze and evaluate this vast amount of data, giving it predictive value."
Predictive algorithms enable the system to calculate, for example, the likelihood of a decrease in oxygen levels in the water with a risk of fish mortality. It proactively activates oxygen machines to keep the fish alive. The technology also helps identify polluters more efficiently and holds them accountable for environmental damage.
Philippe Vertonghen of VMM adds, "With smart data processing, we trace the location and source of pollution faster and more accurately. It allows us to intervene timely. When beet pulp from a French sugar factory flowed into the Scheldt after a dam breach, we immediately identified the pollution location and its downstream drift. The damage was limited."
With data technology, you make the probes smarter.
Smarter Probes
As a technical partner, Geosparc assists in setting up the IoT platform, built on the open-source FIWARE platform. The Ghent-based company brings together experts in IoT technology and specializes in data analysis and artificial intelligence. Geosparc and VMM have previously collaborated successfully, including the development of a tracing algorithm that detects toxic wastewater in the sewer. The Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology and Université de Lille also contribute to this new project.
"With data technology, you make the probes smarter," says Tom De Kegel, project leader at Geosparc. "The system triggers more targeted alarms by considering previous measurements and the probe's surroundings. It is necessary to distinguish between natural phenomena and pollution. For example, increased electrical conductivity of water can indicate both higher salt content and the presence of pollutants. The system must take that into account. Our algorithms interpret the vast amount of data more intelligently, allowing VMM to act more precisely."
Efficient Operation and Scalability
Probes in watercourses require regular maintenance. "It is not necessary to go on-site every two weeks to clean a probe by default," says Tars Morel, technical expert at Geosparc. "The data tells us when it is really necessary. The system notifies when a specific repair is needed. This makes the VMM team much more efficient."
This efficiency creates space to add new sensors. The goal is to double the number of multiparameter probes, which measure the basic water quality through various parameters, in the coming years. More probes monitor the basic quality in finer detail, benefiting the environment. Optimal management also results in a longer lifespan for the probes.
Efficient Operation and Scalability
Probes in watercourses require regular maintenance. "It is not necessary to go on-site every two weeks to clean a probe by default," says Tars Morel, technical expert at Geosparc. "The data tells us when it is really necessary. The system notifies when a specific repair is needed. This makes the VMM team much more efficient."
This efficiency creates space to add new sensors. The goal is to double the number of multiparameter probes, which measure the basic water quality through various parameters, in the coming years. More probes monitor the basic quality in finer detail, benefiting the environment. Optimal management also results in a longer lifespan for the probes.
Due to climate change, we need to handle water wisely.
Flanders Takes the Lead
There is a significant need for effective water quality management in Flanders. "Historically, Flanders faced pollution issues," says Ward De Cooman, a bio-engineer at VMM. "Today, our region is at the forefront of water quality management. Due to climate change, we need to handle water wisely, both in drought and heavy rainfall. Abroad, there is keen interest in this new Flemish data technology."
This technology is part of BEPROACT, which is short for 'building an ecosystem to proactively develop data-driven asset management.' BEPROACT is a major innovation project of Interreg North-West Europe. The aim is to better manage critical infrastructure, such as waterways or highways, with data and proactively prevent problems. This reduces costs and extends the lifespan. BEPROACT brings together eleven participants from five countries in Interreg North-West Europe, including universities, governments, and expert companies. The European Union supports the project with a budget of 6 million euros. The Agency for Innovation and Entrepreneurship Flanders also supports the technology of Geosparc and VMM.
The project runs until March 2027, with the target date for the technology to be operational in Flemish watercourses. More information is available at https://beproact.nweurope.eu/p... and https://www.geosparc.com. Watch the video on YouTube.
About Geosparc
Geosparc makes the impact of policies predictable. Policy-making has become a complex task. Governments must consider increasing data, a growing group of stakeholders, and a rapidly changing world. Decisions have a significant impact. Technology makes that impact more predictable. As a partner and data specialist in geographic information systems, Geosparc helps governments realize innovation. Geosparc is located in Destelbergen and is part of the Gumption group from Kontich.
About Geosparc
Geosparc makes the impact of policies predictable. Policy-making has become a complex task. Governments must consider increasing data, a growing group of stakeholders, and a rapidly changing world. Decisions have a significant impact. Technology makes that impact more predictable. As a partner and data specialist in geographic information systems, Geosparc helps governments realize innovation. Geosparc is located in Destelbergen and is part of the Gumption group from Kontich.