Checking UV compliance.

Wastewater managers at Welsh Water (Dŵr Cymru)have installed a network of remote cameras from Meteor Communications to constantly check the performance of ultra-violet (UV) wastewater treatment processes. The remote cameras provide live assurance that UV disinfection is operating effectively 24/7. “This is such an important issue, that if the camera network helps to prevent just one discharge compliance failure, it will more than justify the cost,” comments Meteor’s MD Matt Dibbs.

One of the most important performance criteria for water companies is the number of discharge compliance failures per year. For this reason, at sites where UV wastewater treatment is employed, it is absolutely essential that disinfection is continuous and uninterrupted. However, UV treatment can stop, or appear to stop, for a number of reasons, such as a power failure or a breakdown in communications. For UK water companies, such as Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water, a site will fail its discharge consent if UV treatment stops for at least 10% of consecutive readings in any 24-hour period.

The challenge for water companies, is that their systems will raise an alert if there is a power outage or a communications failure, but that does not tell them if the UV lamps are still on, and even if they are on, it does not help them prove as such to the Regulator.

Discharge permits specify limits to protect public health and aquatic ecosystems. In addition, Water companies face severe financial penalties if their wastewater treatment facilities fail to meet discharge consent limits in site-specific environmental permits. For example, a wastewater discharge consent will specify a microbiological limit when the discharge impacts sensitive receiving waters used for human recreation such as bathing, shellfish harvesting, or drinking water abstraction.

UV disinfection has become popular for a number of reasons, not least because it is effective against most bacteria and viruses. In addition, UV treatment is relatively simple and safe to operate, and does not involve the use of chemicals.

Welsh Water has deployed UV disinfection at sites all over Wales and across the border into the Wirral. Conscious of the need to be able to detect and act on any disruption to UV treatment, the company decided that a network of remote cameras would be necessary. Meteor Communications was therefore contracted to install 80 of its remote, low-power cameras across 35 sites. Operating via secure cellular comms, the cameras deliver images every 15 minutes via the MeteorCloud® web portal, which Welsh Water has access via a secure log-in. Meteor MRC cameras are able to operate on battery power, with solar charging, which means that the camera network can function independently of the local power supply.

Camera network benefits.
With 24/7 visibility of UV treatment systems, Welsh Water staff can be confident that disinfection processes are in continuous operation. Importantly, access to historical images also provides an opportunity to provide evidence to the regulator – evidence that, prior to the deployment of the cameras, was not available.

In addition to a reduction in non-compliance risk, the cameras also enable staff to triage on-site problems remotely so that unnecessary site visits are avoided, supervisors are able to prioritise asset deployment when a site visit is required. This lowers operational carbon footprint and reduces costs, especially when out-of-hours deployment is avoided. Welsh Water has estimated that half a day of operator time is saved per week by every 5 cameras. 

And the future!
Water based leisure activities such as wild swimming are becoming increasingly popular. Media attention has never been higher, and the public has never before been so interested in water quality. Inevitably therefore, the requirement for UV wastewater treatment will increase, and the ability to monitor treatment remotely 24/7, will enhance the water industry’s ability to maintain disinfection performance, improve operational efficiency and deliver the evidence that regulators require to demonstrate environmental permit compliance.

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@MeteorComms  @DwrCymru @_Enviro_News #Environmental #WasteWater

Continuous water quality data.

Around 10 years of continuous water quality data has been generated as a result of a stipulation in a water abstraction licence on the River Medway in Kent (GB). Installed and managed by Meteor Communications, a network of water quality monitoring stations is being used by Southern Water to protect the River Medway and manage related water infrastructure, such as the Bewl Water reservoir.

“Our abstraction licence includes strict water quality requirements at specific locations; not just specifying measurement limits, but also detailing precise sets of conditions that initiate upstream flow management,” explains Tim Taylor, Water Resources Policy & Regulation Manager at Southern Water. “Meteor configured the monitoring stations to monitor the required parameters and to automatically create the necessary alerts. The data are therefore used for two purposes - to demonstrate compliance, and to inform the ongoing management of flow rates in the Medway and its tributaries.”

Background.
Flow rates on the River Medway are collaboratively managed by the Environment Agency and others using a complex system of barriers, locks, and sluices to balance drinking water supply, flood risk, navigation, and ecological health. This includes the management of releases from Bewl Water reservoir by Southern Water.

Southern Water and its legacy authorities hold multiple historical and continuously renewed abstraction licences for the River Medway system. The primary authorisations for the major River Medway and Bewl Water pump-storage scheme were originally established following the Medway Water Act 1968 and the construction of Bewl Water reservoir, which was completed in 1975.

Bewl Water contributes to the management of River Medway flow rates through a seasonal abstraction and release cycle. During wet winter months, surplus water is pumped out of the river into storage, and in summer months, water is released back into the river network to support drinking water supplies. There is an all year-round release from the reservoir to maintain baseline flows. The distance between Bewl Water and the Medway abstraction point represents river water travel time of approximately one day.

Abstraction licence conditions.
In 2013 the Environment Agency published the Medway Abstraction Licensing Strategy using information gathered by a Catchment Abstraction Management Strategy (CAMS) process. The strategy was designed to protect the ecology of water resources through all seasons, and during all conditions from low flow to high flow. This strategy led to the implementation of a complex set of conditions surrounding Southern Water’s River Medway abstraction licence.

Around 10 years ago Southern Water approached Meteor Communications and asked them to adapt their remote water quality monitoring solution to meet the specific requirements of the abstraction licence.

Fundamentally, the licence conditions were designed to ensure that dissolved oxygen (DO) levels in the River Medway did not drop below acceptable levels as a result of the abstraction that is necessary for the ongoing provision of treated drinking water. However, in addition to DO, the licence also required the continuous monitoring of pH, temperature, conductivity, ammonium, turbidity and chlorophyll.

While these parameters are useful indicators of water quality, DO measurements were deemed to be of greatest value because of the relationship between DO and river flow, and because lowered DO levels can have particularly harmful ecological effects.

A network of at least four of Meteor’s ESNET (environmental sensor network) systems monitor water quality at strategic locations downstream with (almost) real-time data continuously fed to the MeteorCloud® platform, which provides secure data access with visualisation, analysis and alerts that have been configured to meet the abstraction licence requirements.

Extracting value from water quality data.
Southern Water’s engineers are able to access live water quality data at any time, and from anywhere, either by logging into MeteorCloud or accessing the data via an API. “The security of the Meteor platform is critically important,” Tim Taylor explains. “This means that the Environment Agency is able to view the same data as us, and as a secure platform they are able to use the data in a court of law if necessary.”

By programming the algorithmic requirements of the abstraction licence into the MeteorCloud platform, Meteor ensured that timely notifications are automatically issued to initiate action to prevent deterioration of dissolved oxygen levels for example.

Collecting remote water quality data.
ESNET systems are available in either a kiosk-based format for permanent bankside deployment, or as a portable system. Both systems employ a multiparameter sonde loaded with the required sensors, and can run on solar power. A telemetry connection allows users to view real-time data remotely. Water quality monitoring sondes can be deployed directly in the river or, in locations where it is necessary to protect the sonde, it can be located in a flow-through chamber through which sample water is pumped.

In the last 10 years, Southern Water has employed up to 12 ESNET systems in the Medway catchment, three of these are estuarine and six are freshwater, with an additional borehole water level logger. However, only 4 of the ESNETs contribute to the abstraction licence calculations. Portable ESNET systems are utilised because the sondes can be safely deployed directly in the water, and because portability brings flexibility in the choice of monitoring location.

Meteor’s customers can either purchase ESNET systems and rent access to MeteorCloud, or rent the entire service – known as Water Quality as a Service (WQaaS). Southern Water’s Medway catchment systems are run on a WQaaS contract under which Meteor staff install, operate, maintain and calibrate the remote equipment.

Explaining the importance of the calibration and service programme, Jack Hambridge from Meteor says: “Sondes typically require service and calibration every 4-6 weeks, so we have invested heavily in a bespoke calibration laboratory and a team of field engineers. This means that we are able to service large numbers of sondes, ensuring that data are accurate and that the ESNET systems are maintained in optimal condition.”

The Medway catchment ESNETs have recently been upgraded to ESNET3, the next-generation version, specifically engineered with enhanced power management, updated hardware, and a more compact footprint to meet stricter environmental regulations.

10 years of continuous water quality data.
Summarising the performance of the Medway monitoring network, Tim Taylor says: “We have been delighted with the service delivered by Meteor Communications. Data access is simple and secure, and the algorithms that Meteor created to meet the abstraction licence have worked very well. As a result, we have been able to stay compliant with the conditions in our Abstraction Licence, and the river’s ecology has been protected.”

Looking forward.
With climate change prompting more intense rainfall and greater risks of drought and floods, river levels can change very quickly. The need for continuous monitoring and alert systems is therefore growing, and with ten years of data, the network in the Medway catchment has clearly shown how such systems can protect water ecology.

Summarising Tim Taylor says: “The abstraction licence stipulates eight water quality parameters, but the alert system and associated water management initiatives are all associated with dissolved oxygen levels. While these parameters are useful indicators of water quality, DO measurements were deemed to be of greatest value because they are a key condition in the Abstraction Licence that impacts the volume of water released from Bewl Reservoir and subsequently abstracted for public water supply.”

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@MeteorComms  @SouthernWater @_Enviro_News #Environmental #Water #Britain

Included among fastest growing tech companies.

The environmental technology company Meteor Communications has been included in the 2026 edition of The Sunday Times 100 Tech, Britain’s fastest-growing private technology companies. Meteor Communications provides innovative environmental monitoring solutions, implementing real-time monitoring systems for critical assets across utilities, rail and government in Britain, the rest of Europe and North America. The company has experienced rapid growth in recent years by responding to the demand for technologies that are able to monitor the environment remotely and continuously.

Directors Matt Dibbs, Tim Wilson and Andrew Scott.

Real-time environmental data for parameters such as water quality, water flow and weather, along with images, are collected using Meteor’s proprietary ESNET and MRC hardware platforms, with data sent in real-time to the MeteorCloud® web platform.

ESNET water quality monitoring systems are in use by most British water utilities for applications including river monitoring under Section 82 of the Environment Act 2021. In addition, over 3,600 Meteor MRC cameras are currently in service across the water utility, government and rail sectors. For example, the Environment Agency utilises over 1,900 cameras for monitoring and managing critical flood defence structures.

Launched in 2005, MeteorCloud® is a global platform and data hub for environmental data. It is continuously developing in functionality and scale, with over 500 million data points and 25 million images processed during 2025. In addition to offering real-time display the platform has comprehensive data dissemination, visualisation, alarm handling and AI analysis tools.

Meteor also offers Water Quality as A Service (WQaAS), a concept unique to the industry on inception and now widely adopted, delivering robust, reliable water quality data. This encompasses provision of complete monitoring packages including sensors, field service, calibration at Meteor’s own laboratories and real time AI enabled data visualisation via MeteorCloud®

Meteor Communications is also expanding internationally, with monitoring systems currently operational in Canada, Germany and Switzerland. With technology leadership as a key driver in the company’s impressive growth, Meteor has ambitious plans for the future.

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@MeteorComms @thetimes @_Enviro_News #Environmental #Water

Final effluent monitors enable substantial efficiencies.

Here Tim Wilson,  from Meteor Communications, explains how, in addition to providing visibility of water quality, final effluent monitors known as ESNET are also delivering substantial benefits for Scottish Water through enhanced process control. For example, the ESNET units are dramatically reducing the use of dosing chemicals by introducing automatic monitoring and control.

Background
Typically, the mains-powered water quality analysers that are used for process monitoring at wastewater treatment works (WwTW) deliver accurate, high-quality data, but they have a significant footprint and are costly to install and operate. As a consequence, they only tend to be deployed at larger sites. However, in recent years it has become evident that final effluent can also be monitored with the same technologies that are used to monitor rivers. These ESNET systems are particularly advantageous for final effluent monitoring for a number of reasons. A single ESNET system, for example, is able to monitor multiple parameters simultaneously, providing almost real-time data from even the most remote sites. Importantly, in comparison with traditional final effluent monitors, ESNETs are quick, easy and low-cost to install and operate. However, as this article explains, the connectivity of the ESNET units can be exploited to dramatically enhance process control.

ESNET deployments at Scottish Water.
In 2021, Scottish Water started to install ESNET remote water quality monitors at some of its urban WwTWs. 

“The ESNET systems have dramatically improved our visibility of final effluent water quality data, without having to implement significant capital works,” explains Jamie Hesketh, Process Science Leader at Scottish Water. “Since 2021, we have installed 67 of the kiosk-based ESNET systems as final effluent monitors, and they have been so successful that we now plan to install around 113 more systems over the next few years.”

The kiosk-based systems have been installed at urban WwTW sites with a population equivalent of 2000 or above, but this may be expanded to PE>1000 as the rollout takes place. An automatic sampler was previously deployed at most of these sites, collecting final effluent samples that are stored and collected for subsequent analysis in a laboratory. The advantage of this method is that the samples can be tested for a wide variety of parameters, but the major disadvantage is the delay incurred by this procedure, which prevents automation and severely limits opportunities for process control. Consequently, processes such as dosing tend to operate 24/7 rather than on an ‘as required’ basis.

What is an ESNET?
Developed and manufactured by Meteor Communications, ESNET systems are complete, stand-alone, multi-parameter remote water quality monitors. Originally designed for installation at sites with limited or no services, there are now hundreds of ESNET stations operating all over the UK, delivering almost real-time data from a wide range of diverse locations.

ESNETs are available in two formats - kiosk and portable. The kiosks are designed for permanent installation and the portable units are used for short-term deployment. Scottish Water, for example, have 7 portable ESNETS that are used primarily for process investigations.

Each of the Scottish Water ESNETs has a multiparameter water quality sonde fitted with sensors for measuring dissolved oxygen, temperature, pH, conductivity, turbidity and ammonium. Each sonde is located within an integrated flow chamber, through which sampled water is pumped. Water quality data is automatically transferred to the MeteorCloud® platform, which provides secure data visualisation, analysis and alarms.

One of the most important features of ESNETs is the ease with which they can be installed, usually requiring no capital works or pre-existing communications infrastructure. They are also designed to run with a very low power requirement, and are able to operate from a solar charged battery – even in Scotland.

Meteor Communications initially trained Scottish Water staff on how to install, service and calibrate ESNET systems, and this team of trained individuals now manages the network themselves. Their work involves routine visits to each site every 4-6 weeks to clean the pump and sample line, and to swap in a pre-calibrated sonde. Jamie’s team also log in to MeteorCloud every morning to check for any data anomalies that might mean swapping a sonde before its allotted date.

Enabling process efficiency.
The wastewater process team at Scottish Water are able to log in to the MeteorCloud platform to view both historical and live water quality data, and to set up text alarms and email alerts to inform wastewater operations.

One of the most remarkable benefits to be gained from the ESNET systems is their ability to control dosing units. “We have started to hardwire some of the ESNETs to our dosing units, so that set points for, say, turbidity, can trigger coagulant dosing with PAC,” Jamie Hesketh explains. “In this example, the ESNET measures final effluent turbidity and transmits the data to MeteorCloud, and if the value is too high, MeteorCloud sends an instruction to the dosing unit via the ESNET. Similarly, when turbidity is low, dosing is unnecessary and therefore halted.”

The same mechanism is applied for other dosing mechanisms. For example, pH measurements are used to control the dosing of caustic soda (sodium hydroxide). It has been suggested that final effluent monitoring might be too late for dosing control, but in Jamie’s experience the key is the judicious selection of the set-point.

By automating dosing control, Scottish Water is negating the need for the installation and maintenance of additional process management hardware, all of which improves the sustainability of operations.

Looking forward.
In addition to the water quality sonde, it is also possible to connect other sensors to ESNETs. For example, some users also connect water level or meteorological sensors. In addition, a multitude of different data feeds can be connected to ESNET systems, including analogue, digital and serial protocols. This lowers data infrastructure costs and reduces the need for manual checks.

Scottish Water has exploited the ESNET’s connectivity by attaching traditional final effluent ammonia monitors at some locations. “This has enabled us to compare the data from ESNET sondes with that from their (much more expensive) predecessors,” Jamie says. “The results have been very pleasantly surprising, because we have found that the data from the two different instruments trend in similar ways. However, there is still a justification for deploying a dedicated ammonia analyser where levels are particularly low.”

The program of ESNET installations is progressing well, delivering real-time multiparameter final effluent water quality data to enable prompt process management. Initial work to connect dosing units to the ESNETS has shown enormous potential to reduce the volume and cost of dosing chemicals, so Scottish Water plans to expand this capability across the whole country, with concurrent environmental and cost benefits.

The ESNET-based automatic dosing control mechanisms have only recently commenced operation, so it is probably too soon to draw any firm conclusions. Nevertheless, early indications are showing savings in chemical costs of around 20%. The Scottish Water wastewater process team is therefore optimistic about potential future improvements.

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@scottish_water @MeteorComms @_Enviro_News #Environmental #Water #Scotland

Water quality centre.

A new water quality service centre has been inaugurated by Meteor Communications. It is 250% larger than their previous facility. “This expansion reflects the rapidly growing demand for remote river and final effluent monitoring systems, and in particular the continuous water quality monitoring requirements of the Environment Act 2021, Section 82,” explains Managing Director, Matt Dibbs.

Meteor provides a maintenance and calibration service for many of its customers, either as a service contract or as part of its ‘Water Quality as a Service’ offering. “This means that we have staff operating all over the UK, managing hundreds of multiparameter water quality sondes that mostly have to be swapped for recalibration on a monthly basis,” Matt explains. “We have therefore developed a highly efficient process in which large numbers of sondes can be cleaned, serviced and calibrated as quickly and as effectively as possible. However, such has been the demand for these services that we have invested in this new, much larger facility at Andromeda House in Aldermaston.”

The company’s remote water quality monitors, known as ESNETs, were initially developed to meet the requirements of the British Environment Agency for continuous river water quality monitoring. However, in recent years ESNETs have become popular with a much wider group of organisations, all of which are seeking to enhance the protection of the countries rivers.

Looking forward, the demand for ESNET systems is set to grow further: in compliance with the Environment Act 2021; to provide monitoring data for the baseline, construction and operation phases of development, and as water and sewerage undertakers find new ways to exploit the benefits of real-time multiparameter water quality data - in final effluent for example.

Summarising the investment justification for Andromeda House, Matt says: “Accurate continuous water quality data is extremely important for many different stakeholders including regulators, water companies, farmers, consultants, engineers, researchers and members of the public such as wild water swimmers, anglers and paddle boarders. However, reliable measurements can only be achieved if the monitors are maintained and calibrated correctly, so Meteor is making the necessary investments in staff, training, equipment, vehicles and a highly efficient calibration and service laboratory. The development of the new Aldermaston facility means that we will be able to meet the demand for remote water quality monitoring for many years to come.”

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@MeteorComms @_Enviro_News #Environmental #Water #Britain

Water quality service extended.

Thames Water Utilities has extended the term of Meteor Communications' Framework Agreement for the supply of water quality monitoring equipment and services for Final Effluent Monitoring.

The Framework extension will run until September 2027, and covers the provision of ESNET monitoring systems with associated calibration, maintenance and data services via the MeteorCloud® platform.

Commenting on the contract extension, Meteor’s MD Matt Dibbs said: “These systems are primarily used to monitor final effluent water quality at wastewater treatment plants. ESNET provides instant, real time, high resolution Final Effluent Water Quality data to enable Thames Water to gain enhanced visibility of their works’ operations, and effectively manage treatment processes.”

ESNET systems can be deployed in minutes and are carbon neutral in operation, with the majority solar powered. As such they represent an extremely cost-effective approach to providing high quality, real-time water quality data from any location.

In response to demand from the water industry, regulators and environmental consultants, Meteor Communications is investing heavily in the resources that deliver remote water quality data. Matt says: “These commitments from Thames Water and others, reflect the confidence that customers have in our ability to deliver real-time data to enhance process efficiency and environmental protection.”

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@thameswater @MeteorComms @_Enviro_News #Environmental #Water #Britain

Pollution mitigation recognised.

APEM Group has been announced as the winner of the ‘Pollution Mitigation Initiative of the Year’ category at the Water Industry Awards, in recognition of the company’s continuous water quality monitoring project for United Utilities.

Working in partnership with Meteor Communications, APEM Group managed a water quality monitoring project on the River Kent near Kendal in the Lake District (GB). The project was implemented to help ensure the protection of water quality while treated water was discharged into the river through a temporary outfall pipe at a new location, following the damage of the original outfall by storm Desmond in 2015.

Hannah Austin, Divisional Director – Water Science, APEM Group, said: “I am immensely proud of the team that brought this amazing project to life. It’s great to see the tangible benefits to our rivers that monitoring data and evidence-led decision making bring. For APEM Group and our partners at Meteor Communications to be nationally recognised for this innovative work is a remarkable achievement.”

The WIA judges felt that APEM Group’s entry “stood out as both very relevant and innovative, while also presenting a positive message about pollution mitigation.” They described it as “a scalable solution to enhance pollution control and meet future demands, presenting significant benefits.”

A key element of the project was the deployment of Meteor ESNET water quality monitoring stations, installed and maintained by Meteor Communications to provide real-time water quality data both upstream and downstream of the temporary outfall. Meteor’s Managing Director Matt Dibbs, who attended the awards ceremony, said: “We were delighted that the scalability of our water monitoring quality monitoring solutions has been recognised as these systems meet the river monitoring requirements of the Environment Act’s Section 82. This project therefore represents a blueprint for the large number of monitoring systems that water companies will establish in the upcoming AMP period.”

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@MeteorComms @APEM_Ltd  @_Enviro_News #Environmental #Water #Britain

Cameras in a storm.

Water and sewerage companies are installing Meteor MRC remote cameras at an increasing number of wastewater discharge and storm overflow locations; primarily to check the veracity of event duration monitors (EDMs), but also to avoid unnecessary site visits, save costs, lower the carbon footprint of operations, and help identify the sources of pollution.

The British government has instructed all water and sewerage companies (WaSCs) operating in England, to install monitors on every storm overflow by the end of 2023. These EDMs must provide information on the frequency and duration of storm overflow spills.

Their Environment Agency’s EDM data for 2022 ⁽¹⁾ showed that the ten WaSCs in England have 14,580 storm overflows, and that 91% of these were fitted with EDMs. On average, each overflow spilled 23 times for an average of 5.8 hours.

“Where frequent spills are being reported, or when a WaSC suspects that an EDM is reporting falsely, a site visit may be required, so we are experiencing a heavy demand for rugged, low-cost cameras that are able to deliver reliable high-quality images of discharges to verify the EDM data without, necessarily, having to make a site visit,” explains Matt Dibbs, MD at Meteor Communications.

Meteor’s MRC cameras have been designed to operate unattended in remote locations where normal power and communications may not be available. The MRC cameras require just a small battery and a solar panel for year-round operation, and there are currently around 2,500 MRC cameras in use around the country.

Matt says: “One of the most popular features of the MRC cameras for discharge points, is the facility to attach a robust, reliable water level sensor so that the cameras can be automatically prompted to collect images when water levels rise.

“With the benefit of MRC remote cameras, WaSCs have ‘eyes in the field’ to improve the reliability of EDM data and avoid the over-reporting of spills, whilst reducing the number of site visits - saving time, and lowering both costs and carbon footprint.”

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⁽¹⁾Environment Agency EDM data 2022. 

 @MeteorComms @EnvAgency @_Enviro_News #Environmental #Water #Britain

Managing flood and coastal risk.

The British Environment Agency has awarded a four-year contract to Meteor Communications to significantly expand their estate of low-power remote image collection cameras. Installed at strategic locations, the cameras will provide critically important information on the status of water management assets involved in reducing flood and coastal risk.

Under the contract, Meteor will provide the Agency with hourly images of remote assets such as grilles, screens, storm overflows, channels, culverts, pumps, gates and automated structures. The images will be captured by Meteor’s remote cameras (MRC) and delivered to Agency staff via the company’s web-based MeteorCloud service.

This award builds on previous contracts under which Meteor has installed around 1,500 remote cameras for the Environment Agency. Images from the MRC cameras provide Agency staff with an early warning of potentially harmful or dangerous conditions. For example, the immediate visual confirmation of rising water levels in storm drains or blocked trash screens allows a rapid and timely response. Equally, for asset management regular real-time images from site reduces the number of site visits, saving time and money. It has been estimated that by avoiding unnecessary journeys, each MRC camera saves around 0.5 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions per year, and each camera’s financial payback is just 9 to 10 months.

Explaining the particular advantages of the MRC cameras, Meteor’s Managing Director Matt Dibbs says: “Our main focus in the development of these cameras was the ability to operate unattended in remote locations where normal power and communications may not be available. The MRC cameras therefore operate on ultra-low power, requiring just a small battery and a solar panel for year-round operation, anywhere in the UK. This dramatically reduces installation time and cost.

“Transmitting single high-resolution images, the cameras are able to operate via any mobile network connection. This means that high-quality, real-time images can be provided even in areas with poor mobile coverage, and with an extremely robust design, they are suitable for long term, unattended operation with minimal maintenance.”

In addition to the scheduled images, users are able to request additional pictures via the MeteorCloud® web portal, directly by SMS or email. This includes requests for an enhanced (faster) polling mode for a set period of time, which can also be prompted automatically – by a connected water level sensor for example. This means that rising water levels can cause the camera to raise an alarm with an accompanying image to provide visual confirmation of conditions.

To ensure that the system is resilient and futureproof, Meteor also provides full integration of the MRC camera system (via the Meteor Data Centre) into the Environment Agency’s current SCADA platforms and future visualisation systems.

Andrew Pearce, the Environment Agency’s deputy director for asset management systems, said: “Our new flood defences have already better protected 314,000 homes since 2015 and we’re going further, delivering a record £5.2bn investment to protect hundreds of thousands more properties.

“Working with Meteor Communications and these new remote cameras will help us to maintain defences to ensure communities remain protected, as well as save money, improve efficiencies and lower the carbon footprint of our operations.”

Meteor Communications currently has around 2,500 MRC cameras operational in Britain. MRC camera systems are in use across the Water Utilities sector, Local Authorities and Network Rail for remote operational and asset management purposes.

@MeteorComms @EnvAgency @_Enviro_News #Environmental #Water #Britain 

Keeping fishing rivers crystal clear.

The English rivers Test and Itchen are two of the world’s most famous chalk streams and are renowned for crystal clear water and trout fishing. The ecology of these rivers is therefore extremely important, and a network of twenty-one continuous water monitoring stations has recently been established for Southern Water, in compliance with its abstraction licence for the Testwood water supply works near Southampton. The Test and Itchen catchments supply much of Hampshire’s public water needs, as well as a significant proportion of the Isle of Wight’s requirements. Both rivers drain into Southampton Water, and in turn, into the Solen`t.

The River Itchen

Meteor Communications was contracted to install and maintain a network of its ESNET (Environmental Sensor network) systems in early 2021. “We have been delighted with the performance of the ESNET systems,” says Tim Taylor, Water Resources Compliance Advisor at Southern Water. “They were installed and became operational extremely quickly, measuring the key parameters, with data from 30-minute readings immediately available via the MeteorCloud® web portal. We have experienced virtually no down-time with this network, so we are generating excellent continuous datasets.”

Under the terms of the water monitoring contract, Meteor Communications have complete responsibility to deliver accurate, real time data to key stakeholders within Southern Water and externally. This includes site selection, installation and ongoing maintenance. Scheduled site visits and laboratory calibrations ensure that data is robust and reliable, with proactive and reactive site visits. “The Meteor Water Quality as a Service (WQaaS) model is the differentiator to other systems,” explains Meteor’s MD, Matt Dibbs. “By establishing a dedicated Water Quality Services Hub, we can calibrate sondes in laboratory conditions which ensures the accuracy and reliability of the data, and minimises time spent on site.”

Each of the 21 ESNET systems measures temperature, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, ammonium, and pH using EXO multiparameter sondes. Pressure transducers are employed for the measurement of water level. The equipment is frequently located in visually sensitive and publicly accessible spaces, so a variety of discrete mounting options have been developed to ensure robust data delivery with appropriate equipment protection.

Southern Water’s network of monitors is comprised of both portable and kiosk-based ESNETs, with version selection dictated by site conditions and access. No pre-existing power or communications capability is necessary for either version, with solar panels providing sufficient charge for the units’ internal batteries.

The MeteorCloud® platform provides secure data visualisation, analysis and alarms to Southern Water, and also provides the Environment Agency with real-time access to the data, with agreed alarms for both water quality and water level limits. For example, whilst operating under a drought permit, the system will issue an alert when five consecutive water quality measurements on any sonde breach the alarm condition. Once an alarm has been triggered, Southern Water is able to implement remedial measures such as river aeration. However, where the alarm is a result of low water, abstraction would be stopped.

As part of its agreement with Southern Water, Meteor Communications’ staff check the network remotely every day. “This is a major benefit,” explains Tim Taylor. “By constantly checking the performance of the network, Meteor is able to implement corrective measures very quickly. Consequently, we are able to take timely action to protect river water quality and remain in compliance with our abstraction licence.”

Summarising, Matt Dibbs says: “There are a number of key factors underpinning the successful implementation of a water monitoring network such as this. First, the equipment has to be robust, reliable and able to operate in remote locations on solar power. Second, communications and data management have to be seamless and easy to use. Third, the support infrastructure needs to be in place to check the system daily; to service and calibrate spare sondes; and to visit all sites regularly for sonde swaps.

“All of these factors mean that we have had to make significant investment in staff and facilities. However, we now have over 700 ESNET systems operating all over the UK, so we have the experience and resources to ensure that they deliver valuable insights into the health of our rivers.”

@MeteorComms  @SouthernWater @_Enviro_News #Environmental #Water #Britain

Ensuring royal water quality.

Royal water quality Looking to find ways to keep improving water quality, the managers of the English Royal Parks have installed a continuous water quality monitor; an ESNET (Environmental Sensor NETwork) system from the company Meteor Communications.

The Serpentine, in London's Hyde Park, is monitored by the British Environment Agency which collects samples for bacteriological analysis every week between May and September. However, the ESNET continuous water quality monitor was installed to improve understanding of the factors affecting water quality.

George II (Hannover) & Caroline

Covering an area of around 16 hectares, the Serpentine was created in 1730 by the wife of George II, Queen Caroline. Originally fed by the River Westbourne and Tyburn Brook in the 1730s, the lake's water was later pumped from the River Thames. Today, water is pumped from two boreholes from within Hyde Park.

The water quality monitoring system was installed in February 2022, measuring key parameters including Blue/ Green Algae, Chlorophyll, Temperature, Conductivity, pH, Turbidity and Dissolved Oxygen. Measurements are taken continuously in real-time with updates every 30 minutes to the MeteorCloud™ web portal, with instant alerts for any issues that may influence bathing water quality. “The ESNET system will provide essential data for the future management of the lake,” explains the Royal Parks’ Dr Pawel Szynkarczuk. “We need this empirical data to better understand short- and long-term trends, as well as the factors affecting water quality. For example, a key advantage of a continuous time-series dataset is the ability to correlate water quality incidents with potential impact factors such as ambient temperature and heavy rainfall.

“The Environment Agency’s laboratory tests are more focused on bathing safety, whereas the wider variety of parameters monitored by ESNET will provide greater insights into the factors affecting water quality generally. The ESNET system will therefore allow us to make informed decisions, whilst also enabling us to measure the impact of any improvement measures.”

Water quality improvement measures currently include litter/debris removal as well as aeration at 24 points around the lake. However, the large population of wildfowl in Hyde Park is the likely cause of any water pollution; with raised nutrient levels during summer being an area that is carefully monitored. The water quality challenges presented by the wildfowl are compounded by Park visitors feeding the ducks and geese by throwing food into the water. Raised nutrient levels during summer are therefore carefully monitored, and an initiative is underway to try to alter visitor behaviour. “We have a campaign entitled ‘Help Nature Thrive’, which is designed to discourage overfeeding – it’s not good for the birds and it certainly isn’t good for water quality,” explains Assistant Hyde Park Manager, Ian Nightingale. “In the past, we have had to address raised nutrient levels on two occasions by dosing the water with a modified bentonite clay which binds with free reactive phosphorus. While this method appears to be effective, it is expensive, so the provision of continuous monitoring will enable us to fully evaluate the cost/benefits of any future water quality improvement measures.”

The ESNET system has been installed at the Environment Agency’s water sampling point, adjacent to the lake’s bathing area, and the water quality sensors are built into a compact water quality sonde which is permanently located beneath the water surface. In order to maintain the highest levels of accuracy, the sonde is routinely swapped out with a pre-calibrated sonde by Meteor Communications.

The entire system runs on very low levels of power, with a small solar panel meeting the power requirement of the entire ESNET system. “This is very important,” explains Meteor MD Matt Dibbs. “These systems are usually installed in remote locations for customers such as the Environment Agency and utility companies; frequently these sites have no pre-existing power or communications capability.

“We were recently consulted by the Environment Audit Committee and provided them with a live demonstration; explaining how ESNET systems are monitoring UK rivers and providing alerts when potential pollution incidents could threaten bathing water quality. We hope that the Serpentine ESNET system will deliver similar benefits; helping the Park managers to improve the lake’s water quality.”

@MeteorComms @EnvAgency @_Enviro_News #Environmental #Water

Hydrometric services for coal.

Meteor Communications has been awarded a framework contract by the Coal Authority to supply a range of hydrometric services, dataloggers and sensors to enable the continuous monitoring of mine water.

They successfully bid for Lot 3 of the Hydrometry Framework, which is comprised of 7 lots and will run for four years with an estimated total budget of £400,000 (€466k).

“Meteor are delighted to have been selected by the Coal Authority for this framework contract,” explains Meteor’s MD Matt Dibbs. “Our systems and services are utilised across the UK by the Environment Agency, Water Utilities and Consultants and it’s great to be able to bring our expertise to the Coal Authority.”

The Coal Authority seeks to enhance the future prospects for people and the environment in mining areas, and to contribute to the delivery of the British Government’s industrial strategy and the environmental, social and economic priorities of the British, Scottish and Welsh Governments. This includes managing the effects of past coal mining and dealing with mine water pollution and other mining legacy issues.

@MeteorComms @CoalAuthority @_Enviro_News #PAuto #Environment 

River quality report calls for better river monitoring.

A report on river water quality, published by the British Parliamentary Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) has been welcomed by Meteor Communications. Following consultation with a wide variety of stakeholders, the Report revealed damning evidence of river pollution in England. However, Andrew Scott, Meteor’s Technical Director, who provided evidence to the committee, says: “Of course, it is good that this vitally important issue is being highlighted, and we are pleased to note that the Report specifies a wide range of measures that should be undertaken to improve water quality; all of which should be underpinned by effective monitoring.

“The Report also highlights the need for greater investment in infrastructure, which will be vital in the pursuit of the Report’s goals.”

The most recent data published by the Environment Agency, under obligations originally established by the EU Water Framework Directive, show that only 14% of English rivers met good ecological status and no river met good chemical status. The Environment Act 2021 empowers Ministers to set long-term statutory targets for the improvement of the natural environment, and requires a long-term target for the improvement of water to be set not later than 31 October 2022.

Several witnesses criticised the use of ‘spot sampling’ suggesting that this method dramatically reduces the likelihood of detecting pollution incidents. Witnesses also urged the introduction of continuous real-time monitoring of water quality. For example, Salmon and Trout Conservation observed that technological developments in monitoring meant that “continuous monitoring should now be both practical and affordable for the Environment Agency to use widely, especially at potentially high-risk locations such as sewage treatment works.” The Centre for Hydrology and Ecology concurred: “The use of multi-probe Sondes with telemetry to detect ammonium, turbidity and dissolved oxygen concentrations in effluents at hourly frequencies, alongside flow gauging, could provide an accurate estimate of pollution loadings coming from sewage treatment works, an early warning system to detect sewage treatment works failures and provide the key data for researchers to evaluate the impact of combined sewer overflows on downstream river water quality and ecology.”

The Report provided further evidence in support of continuous monitoring. For example, it said continuous monitoring could provide a high level of certainty as to the condition of a river and the causes of pollution, thus alleviating the need to apply complex statistical processes to data analysis. The technique could be cost-effective if used in a targeted way. It was suggested that if there is a particular problem to investigate, you can find out more from continuous monitoring in two weeks than you would probably find in many, many years of random sampling.

Salmon and Trout Conservation also recommended the use of continuous monitoring, especially with the ‘spikey’ nature of discharges from such industries as watercress and trout farming. It said that the technology has progressed so markedly that continuous monitoring should now be both practical and affordable for the Environment Agency to use widely, especially for potentially high-risk polluters such as sewage treatment works. In addition, the report said that the Environment Agency, in its submission, had said that it would like to explore the use of continuous monitors for the quality of effluent that could ‘trigger early warning if effluents were starting to deteriorate’ for regulatory purposes.

During his presentation to the EAC Andrew Scott explained that remote, continuous river water quality monitoring technology is already well-proven. “Over 300 of our Environmental Sensor Network (ESNET) outstations are currently monitoring UK rivers, but many more will be necessary in the future because, for example, there are over 6,000 sewage treatment works in England alone,” he explained. “The current ESNET users are the Environment Agency, seven water companies, environmental consultancies and other water sector bodies. ESNET produces scientifically robust, legally enforceable evidence that truly reflects the dynamic nature of the surface water environment. It differentiates and identifies sources of pollutants from man-made activity such as sewage treatment works, combined sewer overflows and agriculture; outputting high resolution data for the most important water quality parameters.”

ESNET monitoring station on site

Quick and easy to install, ESNET systems typically monitor parameters such as dissolved oxygen, temperature, pH, conductivity, turbidity, ammonium, Blue Green Algae and chlorophyll. However, it is also possible to include other water quality parameters as well as remote cameras, water level and flow, or meteorological measurements. The addition of autosamplers enables the collection of samples for laboratory analysis, which enables the measurement of other pollutants such as pharmaceuticals and plastics. Autosamplers can collect at pre-set intervals and/or when initiated by specific alarm conditions. This is a particular advantage for water companies and regulators because it enables the immediate collection of samples in response to a pollution incident, which informs mitigation measures and helps to identify the source of contamination.

The ESNET systems were designed specifically for the collection of real-time data from remote locations because they operate on very low power and wirelessly connect with the MeteorCloud web portal providing secure access for viewing and downloading data.

Summarising, Andrew says: “The EAC Report provides a detailed plan for improving water quality in our rivers, but as the Report says, this will require a significant investment in infrastructure. A relatively small part of that investment, we believe, should be in a much higher number of remote continuous water quality monitoring systems. This will significantly improve our understanding of pollution, enable rapid response to pollution incidents, and allow source attribution when such events occur. It is therefore very pleasing to note that the Report recommends that the Environment Agency should rapidly introduce cost-efficient and effective sensors at an increased number of locations.”

@MeteorComms @CommonsEAC @UK_CEH #Environment #WaterQuality #Britain

Parliamentary committee requests info on remote continuous water quality monitoring.

The Westminster Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) has requested written evidence from Meteor Communications as part of the committee’s ongoing inquiry into water quality in the rivers of Britain. The submission was timely because it was made while sewage spills were the subject of intense media attention, and after the Environment Act 2021 placed a new responsibility on sewerage undertakers to progressively reduce the impact of discharges from storm overflows.

“We have been following the EAC enquiry closely,” explains Meteor Technical Director Andrew Scott, “and with over 300 of our ESNET outstations currently monitoring UK rivers, we were concerned that some of the participants may not be fully aware of this technological capability.

“Conveniently, data from the Environment Agency’s pollution investigations were recently made public, so we were able to show the EAC examples of the ways in which our technology is able to continuously track the key signatures for different types of pollution, and how these can be correlated with events such as heavy rainfall; delivering legally defensible information.”

ESNET Systems in situ

Following an online meeting with representatives of the EAC, Meteor staff were asked to provide a written submission, describing the current monitoring networks and explaining how these could be upscaled to monitor downstream and upstream of sewage treatment works in England.

There are two main types of ESNET (Environmental Sensor NETwork) water quality monitoring system; a portable monitoring station, and a kiosk-housed pumped system for semi-permanent or fixed installations. The systems were developed to allow rapid deployment with no requirement for pre-existing power or communication infrastructure. As a result, high resolution, real-time, multiparameter water quality data can be obtained within minutes of deployment.

ESNET monitors are typically loaded with sensors for parameters such as dissolved oxygen, pH, conductivity, turbidity, ammonium, temperature, blue green algae and chlorophyll. However, it is also possible to include other water quality parameters as well as remote cameras, water level and flow, or meteorological measurements. The addition of autosamplers enables the collection of samples for laboratory analysis; either at pre-set intervals and/or initiated by specific alarm conditions. This is a particular advantage for water companies and regulators because it enables the immediate collection of samples in response to a pollution incident, which informs mitigation measures and helps to identify the source of contamination.

The EAC inquiry follows increasing concern about water quality in rivers, with just 14% of English rivers currently achieving ‘Good’ ecological status and no river rated ‘Good’ on its chemical status. It has also been reported that in 2020 there were over 400,000 discharges of raw sewage into English rivers.

Looking forward Andrew says: “All stakeholders are currently looking for ways to improve water quality in rivers, and effective continuous monitoring of receiving waters will perform a vital role in achieving that objective. In addition, the Environment Act 2021 places a new responsibility for monitoring the quality of watercourses into which storm overflows discharge.

“Water companies, regulators, consultants and water users can therefore be reassured that proven technology exists to better understand the factors affecting the quality of receiving waters.”

@MeteorComms @UKParliament @_Enviro_News #Environment #Waste #England

EX remote camera for monitoring hazardous areas.

The MCE-MRC-EX camera, which is ATEX approved for use in Zone 1 & 2 hazardous areas has been launched by Meteor Communications. 

“Hundreds of our cameras are currently in operation all over the UK; helping to monitor and protect remote assets such as grilles, screens, channels, culverts and drains,” explains Meteor MD Matt Dibbs. “However, many of our customers in the water, waste, construction, rail and aviation sectors need to also monitor hazardous areas, so the MCE-MRC-EX camera was developed specifically to meet that requirement.”

Zone 1 & 2 hazardous areas are those in which there is a risk from the accumulation of an explosive gas. Typical locations therefore include confined spaces where there is a source of gases such as methane or petrochemicals, so the main applications for the MCE-MRC-EX camera will be in sewage and wastewater infrastructure, as well as in underground assets such as drains, culverts and pumping stations. Remote cameras can now be deployed in these locations to provide remote visibility of threats such as flooding.

The new camera is housed in an IP66 Ex-rated enclosure and an inbuilt IR or white light illuminator provides excellent low-light performance for clear, crisp images in any conditions. Images are transferred in real time via 4G with 3G/GPRS fallback, providing robust image transfer even from areas with poor mobile coverage. Images are sent to the ‘Meteor Cloud’ for secure viewing and analysis online, and there are options for those users wishing to integrate the images with their own applications.

The main advantage of remote cameras is that users are able to view sites remotely before deciding whether a visit is necessary, and also to determine what resources would be necessary for that visit. This means that less site visits are necessary, and wireless connectivity also means that operations such as camera configuration and firmware updates can be conducted remotely.

Importantly, all Meteor cameras allow direct connection of local sensors such as level switches and PIR sensors. Images can be delivered at scheduled intervals and be configured to trigger automatically from local sensors; providing additional images and alerts to users and entering enhanced polling modes.

Summarising, Matt Dibbs says: “The MCE-MRC-EX remote camera has a very low power requirement, whilst delivering high-quality, real-time images from remote assets within Zone 1 & 2 hazardous areas where data and mains power connections may not be available.”

@MeteorComms @_Enviro_News #Ex #PAuto 

Final effluent monitoring.

Meteor Communications has been awarded a multi-year shared framework agreement by Scottish Water for the provision of multi-parameter wastewater quality final effluent monitoring. The contract has an estimated value of £2 million (€2.34m) and follows a competitive tendering process which began in November 2020.

ESNet Kiosk System

Bidders were invited to tender for the supply of monitoring systems that are well suited to continuous remote monitoring of final effluent. Flexibility was required in terms of the monitoring parameters; the systems should be able to operate on low (ideally solar) power in a turbulent final effluent discharge. Secure access to cloud-based data was a key requirement, in addition to minimal levels of maintenance.

The data provided by the systems will allow operators to better understand plant performance and resilience, and provide further insights into performance trends, events and pollution incidents.

Following the contract award, Meteor Communications will supply ESNET (Environmental Sensor NETwork) portable and kiosk systems in conjunction with Xylem EXO multiparameter sondes to measure final effluent water quality. The ESNET systems met the tender requirements and are ideal for this application. Meteor’s MD Matt Dibbs explains: “Historically, the installation cost and on-site maintenance requirements of final effluent monitors at smaller wastewater plants have been preclusive, but the development of ESNET systems has meant that water companies can now equip smaller rural plants with a comprehensive monitoring capability.

“There are hundreds of ESNET systems delivering water quality data from all over the UK, providing customers with high-resolution, real-time, accurate data to manage their resources with greater confidence.

“In addition to fixed applications, portable ESNETs can also be deployed in minutes; providing users with the opportunity to easily move the monitors from site to site in order to conduct short-term investigations and assessments.”

This contract award builds on the existing ESNET network in place with Scottish Water which is already providing data that can be viewed securely using the MeteorCloud™ portal on a tablet, PC or smartphone. The Meteor Data Centre is integrated with Scottish Water SCADA as well as upcoming platforms to deliver a futureproof solution.

As part of the framework, Meteor will provide training to Scottish Water personnel to build a comprehensive knowledge base around water quality monitoring to enhance understanding of works performance.

@MeteorComms @scottish_water @_Enviro_News #PAuto #Effluent

Water quality as a service.

For decades, anyone needing to monitor water quality would purchase equipment to measure the parameters of interest. Today, an innovative, rapidly growing company, Meteor Communications, has challenged that model with their ‘Water Quality as a Service’ (WQaaS) solution.

“Ultimately, people monitor water quality because they need data,” explained Meteor’s MD Matt Dibbs. “So, we would happily sell them water quality monitoring systems, but many of our customers now prefer to just pay for the data - and let us manage the equipment.”

This radical approach has proved so popular with water companies, regulators and environmental consultants that hundreds of stations are now in the field, delivering continuous real-time, water quality data.

“Our monitoring systems are ideal for providing real-time data from remote locations because they operate on very low power and wirelessly connect with the MeteorCloud secure web portal providing secure access for clients to view and download their own data.”

Wireless environmental sensor networks
Working with water companies and government agencies, Meteor Communications developed the ESNET (Environmental Sensor NETwork) autonomous water quality monitoring systems to allow rapid deployment with no requirement for pre-existing power or communication infrastructure. Modular and with multiparameter capability as well as built-in communications, ESNET systems deliver robust, high resolution real-time water quality data within minutes of deployment. The systems are available as a complete portable monitoring station or as part of a kiosk pumped system for semi-permanent or fixed installations. ESNET enables the rapid creation of monitoring networks, which is a particular advantage in the monitoring of catchments because it allows water managers to track the movement of water quality issues as they pass through a river system.

ESNET sondes are typically loaded with sensors for parameters such as dissolved oxygen, temperature, pH, conductivity, turbidity, ammonium, Blue Green Algae and chlorophyll. However, it is also possible to include other water quality parameters as well as remote cameras, water level and flow, or meteorological measurements. The addition of autosamplers enables the collection of samples for laboratory analysis; either at pre-set intervals and/or initiated by specific alarm conditions. This is a particular advantage for water companies and regulators because it enables the immediate collection of samples in response to a pollution incident, which informs mitigation measures and helps to identify the source of contamination.

How ‘Water Quality as a Service’ works
Under a WQaaS agreement, Meteor Communications installs ESNET stations at the customers’ sites, measuring pre-specified parameters. Meteor is then responsible for all aspects of the installation and retains ownership of the equipment. The provision of high intensity (typically 15 minute intervals) water quality data is assured by daily online checks that the stations are performing correctly. In addition, regular site visits are conducted for service and maintenance including monthly visits to swap the water quality sondes with duplicates which have been calibrated at Meteor’s dedicated Water Quality Services Hub near Basingstoke. “This ability to swap sondes is a vitally important feature of the service,” said Matt. “By providing this service to all WQaaS customers there is a major benefit of scale, because this has enabled us to establish a dedicated sonde service and calibration facility that is able to process large batches of sondes quickly and effectively.”

Advantages of non-ownership model
The most important advantages are financial. With no capital costs, this model provides enormous flexibility for the users of the service because it means that they only have to spend money on the data that they need. In addition, there are no equipment depreciation costs and no requirement for investment in the resources that are necessary for ongoing service and calibration.

For many of Meteor’s customers, the main advantage is peace of mind, because continuity of data is usually vitally important. With staff from its Water Quality Services Hub checking outstations every day, combined with regular site visits, users of the system can rest assured that uninterrupted monitoring will generate a comprehensive dataset. On rare occasions, monitoring activities can be hampered by vandalism or even natural events, but the WQaaS system ensures that such issues are detected immediately, so that appropriate action can be implemented quickly to protect the continuity of data.

Risk reduction is also an advantage, because purchased equipment can fail, resulting in a requirement for repairs or replacement parts, which may cause a loss of data continuity. However, under the WQaaS scheme, Meteor is responsible for the system’s uptime, so spares for all of the ESNET’s modules are kept on standby as rapid replacements.

Where water quality monitoring is required for a specific project, the equipment can be tailored to meet precise needs, and at the end of the project the monitoring equipment is simply removed. This is ideal for consultants or researchers bidding for projects with a monitoring element, because it allows them to define the costs very accurately in advance.

Flexibility is the key benefit for water company users of the WQaaS model. Traditionally, final effluent water quality monitoring at wastewater treatment plants is undertaken by fixed equipment installed with appropriate capital works. This means that mainly larger plants benefit from continuous monitoring, so the major advantage of the ESNET systems is that they can be rapidly deployed at any site; delivering water quality insights later that same day. Then, once the investigation is complete, the equipment can be easily moved to a different plant.

Summarising Matt said: “This technology has been developed over many years, and with hundreds of systems already in the field we have invested heavily in the resources that are necessary to support these networks. This means that our customers do not need to make the same investment, which delivers efficiency and cost-saving benefits for everyone.

“We still sell ESNET systems to those for whom ownership makes more sense, but for many others the advantages of WQaaS are significant, because when the monitoring stops; so does the cost!”

@MeteorComms @_Enviro_News #Water #WQaaS #Utility #Pauto #Environment

Remote camera facilitates prompt, effective flood grille clearance.

This time of the year with the coincidence of heavy rain and leaves problems with localised flooding occur. 

Grilles are frequently employed to prevent the accumulation of debris in drainage channels such as culverts that are difficult to access. However, during periods of high flow, these grilles can become blocked very quickly, reducing channel flow and causing flooding. It is therefore essential that such grilles are unblocked before they become a serious hazard, and for this reason many drainage managers are employing the latest remote camera technology from Meteor Communications to monitor these vital assets.

In order to demonstrate the advantages of remote observation, Meteor has published a time-lapse video showing a grille in Wales over a 24 hour period in which heavy flow causes the grille to become blocked with debris. With the benefit of the camera, staff were alerted to the problem and were able to quickly visit the site and unblock the grille. This is the video.

“As well as providing visibility of blockages, these cameras also allow drainage managers to assess which equipment and staff will be required before they leave base,” explains Meteor’s MD Matt Dibbs. “The cameras therefore lower asset risk and help to lower costs by avoiding needless site visits.”

The video also highlights the cameras’ low light performance, producing high quality colour images by day and with IR illuminators for crisp black and white night vision. Captured images are transferred in real-time, providing real-time visibility of assets, even in areas with poor mobile coverage. 

Summarising, Matt says: “We now have hundreds of these cameras in operation all over the UK, and demand is higher than ever. This popularity is partly because the cameras can be solar powered and do not require connection to any existing services, so they can be deployed within minutes.”

@MeteorComms @_Enviro_News #Environment 

Water quality hub!

Growing demand for high resolution, real-time water quality monitoring data has prompted Meteor Communications Ltd to invest in a dedicated Water Quality Services Hub near Basingstoke (GB). The new resource has been developed to support the 500+ ESNET monitoring systems that are currently in operation on rivers and at treatment works across Britain.

“The creation of a dedicated service and calibration resource will enable us to expand the ‘Water Quality as a Service’ capability that has been a major driver for growth in our business,” comments Meteor MD, Matt Dibbs.

In recent years, Meteor Communications has worked with government agencies and water companies to develop the ESNET (Environmental Sensor NETwork) autonomous water quality monitoring systems that can be rapidly deployed and require no power or communication infrastructure. Modular and with built-in communications and multiparameter capability, ESNET systems deliver robust, high resolution real-time water quality data within minutes of deployment.

The systems are available as a complete portable monitoring station or as part of a kiosk pumped system for semi-permanent or fixed installations. ESNET systems can be purchased outright, but Meteor made a strategic decision to also offer the market a new and unique solution. Matt Dibbs explains: “For many of our customers, the requirement for water quality monitoring is temporary or intermittent – to conduct an environmental impact assessment; to characterise or optimise a wastewater treatment works, or as part of an investigation or research project. So it made less sense for them to purchase the equipment and invest in the associated resources that are necessary to operate a monitoring network.

“Meanwhile, we had established a high level of experience and expertise in the operation of continuous water quality monitoring systems. So, conscious of our customer’s main requirement – to obtain good quality, reliable data – we established ‘Water Quality as a Service’ or WQaaS, and it has proved extremely popular.”

Under a WQaaS agreement, Meteor Communications installs ESNET stations at the sites of interest, measuring the parameters required, with data access via the MeteorCloud secure web portal. The service covers all aspects of data collection including scheduled site visits, calibrations at Meteor laboratories and data display / dissemination. With fixed monthly costs, the customer has no capital expenditure and no requirement to conduct site visits for calibration or maintenance.

Each ESNET station employs a multiparameter sonde to measure water quality, and the accuracy of readings is assured by a monthly site visit, during which a member of the Meteor team checks the station and swaps the sonde. Typically, sondes are loaded with sensors for measuring parameters such as dissolved oxygen, temperature, pH, conductivity, turbidity, ammonium, Blue Green Algae and chlorophyll. Following each 4 week deployment, sondes are returned to the Meteor WQS Hub for service and calibration.

Summarising, Matt says: “Our head office in Welwyn Garden City is relatively new, but our remote camera business is also booming, so we needed more space to accommodate our growth, with the added benefit of consolidating our resources and expertise in water quality at the new facility in Basingstoke. Consequently, our customers are able to exploit the many different benefits of the high resolution, real-time water quality data that can be obtained from compact, robust and extremely reliable ESNET systems."

@MeteorComms @_Enviro_News #Water #Environment #Pauto 

Protecting water resources.

The British Environment Agency has awarded a 4-year contract to Meteor Communications for the provision of telemetry systems, services and MeteorCloud data hosting for water quality monitoring systems located in English rivers and bathing waters.

The contract was awarded in June 2019 and ensures continuity of data from around 250 real-time water quality monitoring outstations. Monitoring Services Team Leader of the Agency’s National Laboratory Service, Frances Houston said: “We are now working with Meteor Communications to establish a highly effective and flexible monitoring capability that enables us to deploy real-time, remote water quality monitoring stations at almost any location. We now have the tools to better understand the dynamics of our water environment and provide our scientists with a rapidly deployable monitoring capability with which to detect a wide range of inputs to our rivers and streams.

“The kiosk systems are generally employed for longer term catchment scale monitoring whereas portable ‘suitcase’ systems enable the Agency to provide agile short term investigation and pollution response at a moment’s notice.”

All of the systems utilise 3G/GPRS roaming communications; providing 24/7 web-based access to high resolution water quality data. This provides the Agency with timely, cost effective and meaningful evidence helping to focus resources where they are most needed.

The outstations covered by the contract are ESNET (Environmental Sensor NETwork) modular monitoring systems, developed by Meteor Communications. The company’s portable and kiosk-based water quality monitoring systems employ multi-parameter sondes that can either be deployed directly in the water or installed in a specially designed chamber through which extracted water is pumped. Typical systems measure ammonium, pH, conductivity, temperature, dissolved oxygen and turbidity, with options for several other parameters including chlorophyll, and nitrate. Sondes are exchanged on a monthly basis and returned to the NLSi laboratory where they are serviced and calibrated before redeployment.

Expressing his delight with the award, Matt Dibbs, Meteor’s Managing Director, said: “Through continued development of our ESNET modular monitoring platform we are able to meet the Agency’s need for robust, reliable real-time data collection from any location. This gives us the ability to meet the requirements of anyone wishing to monitor water quality in rivers, wastewater effluent, lakes, reservoirs and bathing waters.”

#Environment #England @MeteorComms @EnvAgency @_Enviro_News