Barwon Water has launched a new smart sewer monitoring project using Kallipr’s Spectra radar sensor to detect and prevent sewer overflows before they happen.
The trial is focused on high-risk locations near the Barwon River, an area of significant environmental, cultural, and recreational value, and represents a shift from reactive clean-ups to proactive, real-time monitoring.
Why Barwon Water is taking action against overflows
Sewer spills are expensive, disruptive, and damaging to the environment. For Barwon Water, clean-ups cost around $600,000 each year and impact the health of waterways, the surrounding community, and local ecosystems.
Past incidents, including overflows caused by blockages from non-flushable items, have shown the need for faster detection and earlier intervention. By installing Spectra in critical locations, Barwon Water aims to spot early warning signs and respond before overflows occur.
A Kallipr sewer level sensor installed at Barwon WaterThe technology: Spectra Radar Sewer Sensor
Spectra is Kallipr’s all-in-one, radar-powered sewer monitoring device, purpose-built for the harsh conditions of underground networks. It combines high-precision radar sensing, edge intelligence, and rugged construction to deliver accurate, real-time data from deep within the network.
Key features include:
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Narrow beam radar to avoid false readings, even in narrow pits
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20-metre measurement range for deep or complex manholes
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Dual SIM connectivity to maintain reliable comms underground
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IP68 rating for full submersion and resistance to gas, debris, and vermin
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On-device processing to detect anomalies locally, reducing cloud traffic and operational costs
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Under 15-minute installation for rapid deployment without major works
By analysing level changes directly on the device, Spectra only sends relevant alerts to Barwon Water’s monitoring systems, enabling faster response times and reducing data noise.
How the project works
The sensors are installed directly inside sewer access chambers in areas most at risk of blockages and overflows. They continuously monitor sewer levels, looking for small changes that can indicate a developing problem such as a partial blockage, tree root intrusion, or infiltration.
When an issue is detected, Spectra immediately sends an alert to Barwon Water’s operational teams, allowing them to prioritise high-value maintenance and prevent a spill before it occurs.
A Barwon Water installer deploys a Spectra sewer level monitoring deviceProtecting the Barwon River and the community
This project supports Barwon Water’s long-term goal of achieving zero sewer spills across its 2,200-kilometre network. It’s also part of a broader strategy to invest in digital water technologies that improve operational efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and keep critical infrastructure running at its best.
By detecting problems early, Barwon Water can:
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Reduce the risk of environmental contamination
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Minimise disruption to the community
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Avoid costly, resource-heavy clean-ups
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Extend the lifespan of sewer assets
A Partnership for Smarter Water Management
Gerhard Loots, CEO of Kallipr, said the trial demonstrates the benefits of edge intelligence in sewer monitoring:
“Spectra captures level changes and analyses them locally, giving Barwon Water earlier visibility into potential overflows. By processing data at the source and sending only what matters, crews can respond faster, reduce costs, and protect one of Victoria’s most important waterways.”
Watch the Project in Action
Barwon Water and Kallipr have documented the installation process and project goals in a short video, showing how Spectra works underground and why it’s an important step in proactive sewer network management.
To learn more about the project see the article 'Barwon Water kicks off trial to outsmart sewer spills'
