Ensuring Safe Drinking Water: A Collaborative Endeavor
In today’s rapidly changing climate, ensuring the safety and quality of drinking water is more critical than ever. With the increasing impact of climate change, the soil surrounding our water pipelines is warming up, raising concerns about the temperature of the water we consume. This challenge has prompted a collaborative effort between The Hague University of Applied Sciences’ Data Innovation Hub and Dunea Duin & Water, a local company in Zoetermeer responsible for water management.
The Rising Challenge
The drinking water industry is facing a unique challenge due to the influence of climate change. The warming soil impacts the temperature of the water within the pipelines. Additionally, the introduction of heat networks, which transfer sustainable heat to houses and industries, has inadvertently contributed to the warming of these pipelines. This is concerning as Dutch law mandates that drinking water should not exceed 25°C, beyond which there’s a risk of legionella contamination—a significant health threat.
A Wireless Solution
To combat this challenge, our team set out to create a Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) for Water Pipe Systems (WPS). After rigorous desk research and interviews, we recommended the use of the PT100 sensor. This sensor is ideal for detecting temperature variations, helping identify “hotspots” or areas where the water temperature exceeds the safe limit.
For efficient data transmission, the chosen method is “NB-IoT,” a secure and low-power communication protocol. Moreover, an interview with Dutch drinking water companies revealed a collective interest in a shared dashboard where temperature sensor data is openly accessible.
Why It Matters
Monitoring the temperature of our drinking water is crucial not only for safety but also for public health. With the combined efforts of academia and industry, this project serves as a testament to the power of collaboration in addressing real-world challenges. It’s not just about ensuring we have safe water to drink; it’s about safeguarding our future in a changing world.
Join Our Journey
At The Hague University of Applied Sciences’ Data Innovation Hub, we are continually exploring ways to leverage data for the betterment of society. This collaboration with Dunea Duin & Water is just one example of our commitment to fostering innovation and driving positive change. We invite you to stay updated on our projects and join us in our quest for a better tomorrow.
