Smart system for detecting drinking water contamination
IoT-powered solution for monitoring bacteria
Water drawn from deep underground makes its way to our glasses every day. Modern water supply systems are nothing out of the ordinary—in fact, the simple act of turning on a tap and getting clean water feels completely natural. But how often do we stop to consider who ensures that this water is safe to drink, and how they do it? How do we know it’s potable? When was it last tested? Will it still be safe tomorrow? These were exactly the kinds of questions our client, Aqua Alarm, a Norway-based company, set out to answer in order to help water suppliers bring water to your tap, at the lowest possible cost.
The challenge: real-time detection of water contamination
Drinking water is tested for contaminants at the source using a variety of methods. For instance, the company Aquanet in Poznań, Poland, uses bioindicators — specifically mussels — that naturally close their shells when the water flowing through them becomes toxic due to the presence of harmful chemicals. A similar approach to biomonitoring is also possible with the use of luminescent bacteria, which react visibly to water quality changes.
Throughout the world, water quality is still assessed through manually collected samples that are later analyzed in a laboratory. This approach often results in delays — by the time harmful substances are detected, contaminated water may have already reached consumers’ taps. That’s why our client set out to develop a system that can respond to contamination events in real time — or even predict the likelihood of their occurrence before they happen.
Our approach: IoT, automation, integration—and good old AI
To ensure both rapid product development and reliable system operations, we proposed an Agile approach combined with a Managed Service model. Each sprint delivered new capabilities—starting with the fundamentals: continuous water monitoring using PMT-type sensors and automated sample collection. We then moved on to device integration into a cohesive system, remote fleet management, and improving the system’s resilience to harsh field conditions and infrastructure limitations, such as lack of network coverage in key locations.
At the same time, we built a centralized reporting system and deployed a cloud-based backend using AWS. The final touch? Machine learning and AI features that can predict potential contamination risks — leveraging both customer operational and contextual data, used together with the sensor data.
Technology and hardware: fewer wires, more automation
During the analysis phase, the client provided us with an early prototype of the devices — bulky and technically immature. Each unit consisted of a sensor, which detected contaminants in flowing water, and a sampler, which collected samples of the potentially polluted water.
As part of our efforts to reduce costs and miniaturize the hardware, we made several key decisions:
- We redesigned the system architecture by removing the PLC controller from the sampler. Instead, we implemented a lighter and more efficient solution based on a single-board computer (SBC) with custom firmware integrated with a web application. This significantly reduced the unit production cost and simplified device operation.
- We separated the sensor’s “wet” section (powered by 12V) from the “dry” section (powered by 230V) – minimizing the risk of electric shock and protecting critical system components from potential damage.
- We implemented water pressure regulation and automated valve control – ensuring that water flow is immediately shut off in the event of a malfunction or flooding
- We developed an intuitive web application that enables remote control of the sampler, configuration of automated sampling rules, and real-time device monitoring—all without the need for physical access.
- We improved the system’s resilience to connectivity issues—sensors are capable of operating offline for several weeks. Once the connection is restored, all stored data is automatically synced with the cloud.
- We introduced a logging and early warning system for faults, eliminating the need for users to constantly monitor data in order to ensure water quality or confirm that all devices are functioning properly.
- We streamlined the supply chain—building the devices involves sourcing components from dozens of suppliers across the globe, managing payments and shipments, as well as navigating customs and import procedures.
The sensor data feeds the cloud based AI supported analytics “machine” which also collects and analyzes operational data from the customer. Based on this, Alerts and Aqua Insights, often including information about causal factors and proposed remedial actions, are presented to the customers via Aqua Alarm’s software, enabling the customers to gain control of water quality problems, sometimes even before the incidents occur. When well integrated with the customer operational systems, the customers can increase their efficiency and save operational costs.
Results: Consumer safety and increased efficiency in operation of water treatment and distribution
Thanks to the solution, the client gained:
- an automated system for detecting and responding to potential contamination,
- instant access to causal factors and alternative solutions,
- time and cost savings in water quality monitoring,
- a scalable foundation for expanding the service to new regions and clients,
- an attractive product for water utilities and water intake facilities—offering both consumer safety and insights supporting higher efficiency.
The system is already up and running in the field!
Just weeks after the project was completed, our solution was successfully deployed in a pilot program with one of Europe’s largest water utility operators. Currently, three sensors and one sampler are active in the field, with another 25 devices scheduled to go live in the coming months. At the same time, the new SaaS platform has been launched, providing real-time access to water quality data and an alert system that supports faster, more informed operational decisions.
Need support with an IoT project?
If your company is facing challenges related to environmental monitoring, process automation, edge AI, or cloud device integration—we’re here to help.
Our team of engineers and designers offers:
- PCB and hardware design: We build custom electronic boards and device prototypes from the ground up, tailored to each client’s unique requirements.
- Firmware development: We create dedicated firmware for microcontrollers and embedded systems, ensuring optimal device performance.
- IoT cloud integrations: We connect devices with cloud platforms like AWS IoT Core and Azure IoT Hub, enabling remote management and real-time data analysis.
- Edge AI: We implement AI algorithms directly on edge devices, allowing for faster data processing and real-time response without relying on constant cloud access.
With experience across multiple industries—from manufacturing and energy to the public sector — we know how to adapt our solutions to meet the specific needs of each client.
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