Endress+Hauser has developed a Continuous River Monitoring Solution for water companies
Process instrumentation manufacturer and solutions provider Endress+Hauser has designed a solar-powered river monitoring solution designed to support Section 82 environmental monitoring requirements. The system enables continuous measurement of key water quality parameters and reliable transmission of data to water companies, even in remote locations where mains power is not available.
Section 82 of the Environment Act 2021 requires water companies to continuously monitor water quality upstream and downstream of storm overflows and treatment works. Endress+Hauser’s solution combines robust field instrumentation, solar energy management and secure digital data transfer to provide water companies with optimal visibility of river conditions and potential discharge events. This approach supports early detection, regulatory compliance and improved environmental protection.
The river monitoring solution is designed for continuous measurement of key water quality parameters including pH, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, temperature, ammonia and conductivity. Developing a solar-powered solution was key, explains Endress+Hauser UK’s Water and Wastewater Industry Manager Ipek Temizel: “Many monitoring locations are remote and lack power or communication infrastructure, so we needed to create a system that works reliably under those conditions. Internal tests confirmed that the system is robust enough to maintain accuracy in challenging river environments.” The Continuous River Monitoring Solution is now undergoing further testing as part of a national trial led by the Water Research Centre (WRC).
Data every 15 minutes
The system’s solar power supply is supported by battery storage to ensure reliable operation throughout the year. A communication gateway enables secure data transmission to the water company’s systems: under normal conditions, data is transmitted hourly, while during abnormal conditions the system can increase the reporting frequency to 15-minute intervals, supporting rapid detection of pollution or discharge events in line with OFWAT’s Continuous Water Quality Monitoring Programme Interim Technical Standard.
Accurate and durable
Unlike pumped sampling systems, the solution uses a direct immersion floating sensor assembly, allowing sensors to measure directly in the river. This eliminates the risk of pump blockage caused by debris or sediment, reduces maintenance requirements and avoids the overheating risks associated with pump-based systems and enclosed cabinets in the summer months. An integrated compressed air cleaning system periodically cleans the sensors to maintain measurement stability and prevent build-up. To ensure durability in exposed environments, the station is housed in a robust enclosure designed to minimise vandalism risk while protecting the instrumentation.
Tailored support
Thanks to Endress+Hauser’s UK-wide network of over 40 service engineers, the company also offers tailored service programmes including maintenance activities and calibration that complies with ISO 17025.
“We are very encouraged by the findings from our internal testing programme and preliminary results from external trials,” says Ipek Temizel. “This solution will offer real benefit to water companies seeking Section 82 compliance.”
Built for Section 82. Real-time insight. Reliable compliance. Smarter river protection.
