INSIGHTS / News

SETsquared Surrey members, Aquamatix, have been awarded a contract to provide real-time monitoring and control of water resources, to conserve water and reduce energy consumed by canal operations at the Basingstoke Canal. This represents a UK first implementation of Internet of Things technology to this unique environment.

The Basingstoke Canal was built in 1792-8, and is now a leisure facility serving the community from the River Wey Navigation near Woking, 32 miles to Odiham in Hampshire.  In order to use a limited water supply as efficiently as possible while reducing the energy consumed in managing the canal operations, leading edge technologies from the Internet of Things will be supplied by Aquamatix. The system will provide a variety of tools for canal rangers to monitor water levels and flows and pumping station activity.  Information about water levels will also be available to the public via a website, allowing canal users to better enjoy and understand the canal and its environment.

The project has been jointly developed by public agencies including Surrey and Hampshire County Councils, the volunteer sector in the Basingstoke Canal Society, and the private sector in Aquamatix, an SME based in Surrey.

James Taylor, Strategic Manager for the Basingstoke Canal said “We are delighted that both owning County Councils are investing in this leading technology so we can provide a better service to all users of the canal and neighbours.  By monitoring and controlling the water in the canal we will improve our control of winter flood waters, whilst reducing canal energy use, and allow more boats to enjoy the beautiful canal environment through more efficient water use in dry summer months.”

Laurie Reynolds, MD of Aquamatix noted “We have been working with Basingstoke Canal for over two years to develop this innovative solution to their water management challenge. We are excited to be part of a team realising a tangible benefit for canal users by applying Internet of Things technology to this unique environment, and creating the first Smart canal!”

The system will be deployed over the winter, ready for the start of the season in April 2015.