Our monitoring stations along the Pix Brook help us understand the impacts of extreme weather on water flows and water quality.
Live modelling uses data from sensors that we’ve installed, as well as information from other sources such as the Environment Agency or water companies. We plan that our volunteer river wardens can get involved too.
There are lots of existing flood models, many run by the Environment Agency. This data can be used to forecast events and provide early warning of flooding. Sensor data can also provide the real time status of the catchment.
At the moment these live models only cover coastal and large river flood risks and don’t provide adequate information for local catchments like the Pix Brook.
Our Live Modelling Package is a system created around the needs of our local councils. We are working alongside the Environment Agency, Anglian Water, Affinity Water, the Internal Drainage Board (IDB), the University of Exeter, Radio-Data-Networks, JBA Consultancy and local charities and organisations.
Researchers at the University of Exeter have looked at what local councils and other organisations involved in water management need. They are creating flood models and platforms which meet these local needs.
We’ve also looked at novel technologies like drones and low-cost rain gauges and investigated how water quality could be monitored in real-time.
Live modelling is a key part of our success and will help us to minimise flood risk.