The CSIR has issued instant access licenses for Smart-Sense, a low-cost and energy efficient long-range communications sensor node used for real-time water monitoring.

The key features of Smart-Sense are that it can be easily fitted to ageing or new infrastructure, such as legacy pulse meters and water pressure sensors; the meter can be attached to more than one device simultaneously; and it allows for real-time monitoring and controlling of water distribution network components. Smart-Sense is a core component of the CSIR’s smart water management system (SWMS) currently under development. This holistic system, aims to address many problems associated with water loss and non-revenue water, which costs the country more than R7 billion per annum. The CSIR collaborated with many national and international research and academic institutes to develop the system.

The real-time sensory data collected by Smart-Sense is fed into a back-end system where various techniques and tools use this data to facilitate wise water usage.

The Smart-Sense technology has been deployed at the CSIR campus in Pretoria to monitor 33 water meters and three pressure sensors in real time in order to create a water-wise institution.

CSIR principal researcher, Dr Abu-Mahfouz, believes that this innovative solution could be a game changer for municipalities and businesses that need to upgrade their ageing water infrastructure at minimal cost and that need to manage their non-revenue water. Furthermore, this innovative solution will contribute to job creation and the advancement of the local ICT-based industry.

Full licenses for Smart-Sense are available from the CSIR for businesses interested in providing water-monitoring services to municipalities and other large-scale water users.