Watercare & Citycare installers deploy the Kallipr Spectra sewer level sensors5,000 non-contact radar sewer level sensors are helping Auckland detect blockages, infiltration, and overflows faster, protecting the environment and improving network efficiency.
Kallipr has partnered with Watercare in New Zealand to deliver a major wastewater monitoring project that will transform how Auckland manages its sewer network. Over the next year, 5,000 Spectra radar sewer level sensors will be installed across the city, providing continuous wastewater level monitoring directly from the field.
The sewer level monitoring solution is designed to reduce sewer overflows, optimise maintenance, and extend the life of critical infrastructure all while lowering operating costs.
Why sewer level monitoring is critical for presenting wastewater overflows and reducing costs
Wastewater networks are under increasing strain due to ageing infrastructure, urban growth, and heavier rainfall events. Without reliable sewer level monitoring, utilities face:
• Increased risk of overflows during wet weather or blockages.
• Higher maintenance costs from reactive repairs instead of planned work.
• Environmental and public health risks from untreated wastewater spills.
This project changes the way Auckland can respond, delivering fast, targeted insights from across the network, enabling Watercare to act before issues escalate.
How non-contact radar sewer sensors improve wastewater monitoring accuracy
At the heart of the rollout is Spectra, Kallipr’s ultra-rugged, non-contact radar level sensor designed for harsh sewer environments. Installed beneath manhole covers, Spectra measures wastewater levels at set intervals and automatically increases readings when abnormal patterns are detected.
Key features include:
• Event-triggered monitoring – Detects rapid level changes caused by blockages, infiltration, or stormwater surges.
• Non-contact radar technology – Provides extremely accurate readings of water levels without touching the wastewater
• Corrosion-resistant IP68-rated housing – Withstands flooding, gases, and extreme temperatures.
• Long-life, replaceable batteries – 10+ year batteries that are replaceable in the field, minimises maintenance visits and reduces total cost of ownership.
• Reliable connectivity – CAT-M1, NB-IoT, and dual SIM options ensure data can be transmitted from remote locations.
Spectra sewer level sensor installed at WatercareHow local data processing in sewer sensors improves overflow detection and reduces costs
Unlike systems that send every reading to a central server for analysis, Spectra processes data locally and transmits only the important information. This approach delivers:
• Faster detection of potential overflows or infiltration.
• Reduced communication costs by limiting unnecessary transmissions.
• Extended battery life, meaning fewer field visits for maintenance.
• Scalable network coverage without significantly increasing operating expenses.
Benefits of wastewater monitoring for Watercare, Auckland communities, and the environment
By combining Spectra sewer sensors with Kallipr Kloud, our secure cloud platform, Watercare can:
• Monitor thousands of sewer points in near real time.
• Detect developing blockages and infiltration before they cause overflows.
• Reduce environmental damage and protect public health.
• Optimise cleaning and maintenance schedules using live data.
• Extend the lifespan of existing network assets.
And the results are already showing. Just days after installation in Ōtara, one of the new sensors detected a blockage forming 40 metres away. Watercare crews were able to act immediately, flushing the line before it spilled. Without the sensor, that would have been Auckland’s next overflow.
You can read more about this first success on Watercare's website.
How smart wastewater networks use radar sensors to prevent sewer overflows
This project demonstrates how utilities can modernise sewer network management without replacing existing infrastructure. By combining non-contact sewer level monitoring with intelligent data delivery, networks can operate more efficiently, respond faster to issues, and improve environmental outcomes.
Looking to improve your wastewater network monitoring?
Contact our engineers to learn how our Spectra radar sensors and Kallipr Kloud platform can be tailored to your needs. Or read the case study.
For a full technical guide to sewer level monitoring, covering sensor selection, I&I detection, and network-scale deployment strategies - read our complete guide for utilities.
