WAI EYE
KANOHI HŌMIROMIRO
Keeping watchon water
BTW have a team of multidisciplinary specialists focused on solving water issues. WAI EYE, Kanohi Hōmiromiro (an eye for detail), is a BTW programme and innovative approach to infrastructure assessment using environmental engineers and scientists, skilled surveyors and UAV pilots, and leading remote sensing and IoT technology.
The innovative approaches developed by BTW’s WAI EYE team have been pioneered in Aotearoa by BTW in collaboration with Council’s and Water Suppliers, and align with the vision statement of Te Mana o Te Wai.
Wai Eye services
WATER SUPPLY – Leak Detection
BTW surveys pipelines, canals, and reservoirs to locate water leakage effectively and efficiently. This is achieved using UAV-mounted thermal, multi-spectral, and imagery sensors in combination with water pressure, flow, and physio-chemical analysis. This data is then packaged up into a simple online dashboard for asset managers to simply view and interact with. This modern delivery platform is a significant improvement from traditionally lengthy reports collecting dust and hiding data.
WASTEWATER – Infiltration and Inflow Assessment
Unnecessary water infiltration and inflow (I&I) into wastewater networks presents economic and environmental impacts. To identify and isolate I&I, BTW uses a portable array of level, flow, and rainfall sensors, combined with IoT telemetry to monitor data. Statistical algorithms are then used to prioritise problematic pipelines so that asset managers can make informed decisions for repairs and renewals.
STORMWATER – Network Survey and Calibration
BTW complete targeted stormwater asset survey and monitoring, including the following items:
- Asset survey; such as culverts, stormwater basins, gullies, and pipe/manhole surveys
- LiDAR survey of large stormwater catchments
- Installation and monitoring of stormwater basin level sensors for model calibration and early warning alert systems
- Stormwater model verification surveys – including building floor level capture
- UAV Thermal Survey / Imaging
WETLANDS – Identification and Delineation
Often referred to as the kidneys of the earth, wetlands play a critical role in water quality, provide habitat for native and endangered fauna and flora, maintenance of water flows and supply, and reduce flood and storm surge risk. BTW uses a multi-faceted approach combining remote sensing (multi-spectral, LiDAR, and high-resolution aerial imagery) and ‘boots on the ground’ environmental assessments to identify, delineate, and monitor wetlands to ensure that these valuable ecosystems are protected and restoration is facilitated.
Empowering property owners and communities to shape their future.
Across the Taranaki, Waikato and Whanganui regions, the BTW team apply specialist knowledge and technology with integrity, gaining trust and respect from clients of various industries and backgrounds including Iwi/Hapu, private landowners, decision-makers and industry stakeholders.