Department Urban Water Management
Urban Water Observatory
Spatially-distributed monitoring of the urban water cycle
The Urban Water Observatory (UWO) is a long-term (5-year) initiative of ETH and Eawag to establish a sensor network in Fehraltorf, allowing spatially-distributed monitoring of urban water cycle processes. It is a coordinated field research lab, a test bed, a sensor lab and a ‘hands-on classroom’ rolled into one. Our primary objectives are:
- Conduct transdisciplinary environmental research within and at the interfaces of urban water systems
- Answer pressing questions regarding future developments of water infrastructure
- Increase transparency and public awareness for and around the urban water cycle
Details about research questions can be found -> here
How and where are we active?
We monitor rainfall, flows, levels and other system states at high spatial density (higher than 1 sensor per hectare) within the sewer network, in rivers and groundwater using modern sensors and innovative wireless data transfer technologies (->LoRaWAN). With this work we aim to better understand the interrelation between rainfall (driver) and the corresponding response processes, including surface runoff, pipe flow, overflow activity, as well as impacts on the adjacent compartments, such as sewage treatment plant, groundwater, and rivers. We will furthermore extend our study's scope by monitoring water quality parameters (ph, conductivity, turbidity).
How can the results be utilised?
This unique approach generates spatially-differentiated information on flows of water and matter in an urban environment. Data and metadata are made publicly available for research, soecially for residents living in Fehraltorf.
Through these measurements we gain a better insight into the spatio-temporal system dynamics, enabling us to optimise stormwater and wastewater handling towards a more efficient management and, most and foremost, a better water quality in aquatic ecosystems. Within the scope of this initiative we will test novel analysis techniques (-> DIMES IItypo3/) and innovative monitoring strategies, such as real-time monitoring and control of system dynamics in urban catchments (LoRaMeshtypo3/).
Future environmental engineers from ETH obtain insight into the set-up and operation of the Urban Water Observatory. As part of the forward-thinking education at ETH, students learn how to use modern monitoring and analysis techniques with a unique data set.
Who do we collaborate with?
Setting up such a sensor network would not be possible without the support from the municipality of Fehraltorf and its residents. We receive further support from surrounding communities, as well as local enterprises in various ways. For this, we would like to express our sincere thanks to all supporters!
News
02.04.2024
In 2024, UWO is hosting two transnational access projects, both of which have secured funding through the H2020 Co-UDLabs initiative.
The first project, STARR-ING, led by a consortium of 6 partners with RPTU Kaiserslautern leading the way, will utilize UWO's data to investigate the essential spatio-temporal resolution of rainfall data for urban hydrological applications.
Furthermore, the second project, spearheaded by the University of Exeter and involving 4 partners, will explore the benefits of sewer heat recovery. Both projects have started in recent weeks.
Project partners
