Express & Star

Smart monitors being rolled out across region

The second phase of a roll out of smart units to prevent flooding from blockages has begun in the region.

Published

Severn Trent is set to begin phase two of its smart unit roll out to prevent flooding from blockages caused by wet wipes, cooking fat and other unflushables.

More than 1,500 units have already been installed in Wolverhampton and Sutton Park since the trial started in September 2020, and phase two will see another 3,000 units deployed across the Severn Trent region.

The company plans to install a total of 40,000 units over the next five years, which use a hanging sensor to detect rising water levels with a tilt switch and communicate data back to the control room.

If an alert is triggered, a team of engineers can respond to investigate and clear any blockages forming before a more serious incident occurs.

Tactical asset planning manager, Margaret Williams, said: "Following the successful installation of our first 1,500 units, we are really pleased to be able to quickly follow on with phase two.

"These units will be installed in blockage, flooding and pollution hotspot areas across the region where we have identified a higher than normal amount of incidents."