Hi-tech solution to sewer woes

SEWER spills could be a thing of the past in Lorne if a new trial using underground sensors is successful.

Barwon Water says it is hoped the sensors will provide data to ease the threat of blockages and overflows.

Barwon Water’s infrastructure operations manager Anna Murray said the trial included a partnership with Deakin University which is developing an algorithm to help analyse the data.

The sensors track the depth and flow of sewage, making it possible to identify partial blockages which can then be acted upon by Barwon Water before there is any impact on customers or the environment.

“In partnership with Deakin University, we’re developing a ‘partial blockages algorithm’ so we can quickly identify areas that need work to prevent overflows,” Ms Murray said.

She said the sensors were being installed at 15 locations along the Lorne foreshore.

If they proved effective in the early identification of partial blockages the sensors could be more widely rolled out throughout Barwon Water’s sewer network.

The new sewer sensors were developed by South East

Water and are used by other water authorities around the state.

Barwon Water has launched a campaign called Don’t flush it!, which urges customers to not treat their toilet like a rubbish bin and to only flush the ‘three Ps’ (pee, poo and toilet paper).

The campaign targets people who often dispose of things like flushable wet wipes, cotton buds, sanitary items, food scraps and cooking fats and oils in their toilets and drains, leading to blockages.

System blockages can often mean expensive plumbing and repair bills for residents and businesses.