“The products are easy to install. It’s clever stuff – you can connect pressure sensors, radar, flow meters, and a range of other sensors to the Fenix Hub node. You can even harvest energy from the flow in drinking water pipes using their turbines,” says Magnus Andersson, operations technician at Robertsfors Municipality.

With a population of just under 7,000, the municipality of Robertsfors in Västerbotten has seven treatment plants. Like in many other places across the country, the sewage and stormwater systems were built in the 1960s and 70s. Over 50 years of wear and tear, population growth, and harsh frost conditions are some of the factors that led Robertsfors to invest in modern technology from Aqua Robur.

“Our interest in Aqua Robur was sparked when we needed to measure pressure inside a pipe in an area with no fiber or electricity. We also needed to monitor the levels in a couple of wells. Their technology and products suited our needs perfectly,” says Magnus Andersson.

The municipality purchased radar sensors for level measurement and pressure sensors for pressure measurement, along with Fenix Hub sensor nodes. The equipment was then deployed in various locations throughout the pipeline network, including a strategically important well just before the main treatment plant.

“We have a main sewage line that’s not in great shape. There have been cases where it’s gotten clogged just before the treatment plant, leading to flooding in the basement of a nearby house. Now, we’ve equipped the well with a level sensor that triggers an alarm when the level rises too high. That way, we have time to send a pump truck before it’s too late,” Magnus explains.

Operates independently – even without electricity

Aqua Robur’s products are used in locations without electricity or fiber, but also for overflow measurement outside of treatment plants. The municipality recently ordered equipment for two more wells.

“We’ve been using another system for nearly ten years, but it’s being phased out. That system hasn’t kept up with technological advancements and doesn’t offer the same data visualization. Aqua Robur’s IoT solution, newer technology, and smaller, better batteries are a clear improvement,” says Magnus.

Reduces administration and expenses

In Robertsfors, every overflow event must be reported to the municipality’s Environmental Unit. The extent of the reporting required depends on the size of the treatment plant.

“Overflow measurement is a must. Smaller treatment plants only need to report the event itself, while larger ones must also report the volume discharged. The largest plants must even include water samples. Every overflow we can avoid therefore saves money.”

But it’s not just the alarms that help reduce costs by enabling timely action. If a blockage causes flooding in a private home, an insurance claim is inevitable – a process that can be both lengthy and expensive.

“In the end, it’s the municipality that foots the bill – it’s our pipeline, after all,” Magnus points out.

Climate is a factor

Many municipalities struggle with their pipeline networks, but some face more intense climate-related challenges than others. Heavy precipitation, ground frost, and resulting soil movement can have major impacts.

“We get a lot of frost here. The pipes shift, they crack, and they get blocked. Repairs are constant – it’s ongoing work. This year we’re planning to replace the most affected sections,” says Magnus.

At the treatment plants, they also monitor the quality of incoming water. Excessive infiltration results in water that is “too clean,” which can also cause issues.

“We’re required by the County Administrative Board to reduce phosphorus by 90 percent, but if there’s too much infiltration and rainwater from the stormwater system, it becomes harder to meet that target. And even if we do, the total volume is so much greater that the actual amount of phosphorus discharged is the same,” Magnus explains.

Successful collaboration with Aqua Robur

The dialogue has been open throughout, and Magnus Andersson is satisfied with the support.
“They offer great support and you get help immediately. When we renovate our large treatment plant, we’ll receive data from nearby overflow wells directly into the new system. But we’ll still keep Aqua Robur’s products, since they’re so easy to relocate,” Magnus concludes.