Near-surface groundwater can create challenges for cities and utility infrastructure. High groundwater levels can increase the risk of flooding and lead to the infiltration of unwanted water into sewer systems. At the same time, near-surface groundwater can also represent a resource if it is monitored and managed more intelligently.
The project explores how digitalisation and sensor technology can provide better insight into fluctuations in groundwater levels and support more sustainable management of near-surface groundwater.
An intelligent sensor solution is being developed to monitor groundwater in real time and provide a stronger data basis for developing drainage strategies. Data on catchment areas, soil conditions and infiltrating water are combined to improve understanding of where and how interventions can be targeted.
At the same time, the project explores opportunities for circular use of groundwater, for example for technical purposes, irrigation or wetlands. In this way, the project can help reduce pressure on the sewer network and support more sustainable approaches to water management.
Bækmarksbro as a test area
Bækmarksbro has been selected as the project’s test area. Here, the project’s technologies and methods will be tested under conditions that are closer to real-world application. TEMcompany is working with technology for mapping close to infrastructure, while Consibio has developed a modular sensor platform that reduces the cost per unit and is ready for field testing.
At the same time, the Danish Technological Institute has prepared a literature review to support the development of drainage strategies and the subsequent socio-economic assessment. The next steps include field testing of the sensor platform and further development of the interactive communication platform that has already been initiated.
The project is carried out in collaboration between Lemvig Vand, the Danish Technological Institute, TEMcompany, Consibio and Kirt x Thomsen. Lemvig Vand is the project owner, while the Danish Technological Institute acts as project manager. Kirt x Thomsen is responsible for project communication, including a shared communication platform designed to make the complex issue and the project’s results more accessible.
Part of a larger water technology initiative
The Near-surface Groundwater project is part of Water Valley Innovation and falls under Main Activity 2, “Near-surface Groundwater and Digitalisation”. The activity brings together development and testing within digitalisation, advanced sensor technologies and sustainable management of subsurface resources and risks, with the aim of creating smarter, more sustainable and cost-effective utility infrastructure.
Read more about the Water Valley Innovation project here.
Funding
The project is co-funded by the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund and the Danish Board of Business Development as part of Virksomhedsudvikling Danmark.
