Smart stormwater research awarded commendation for Excellence in Research and Innovation

Smart Stormwater Systems use artificial intelligence to reduce flooding and increase urban cooling.

University of Adelaide researchers, local government and industry have collaborated in a project which uses artificial intelligence in their design and operation. This provides a unique opportunity to substantially reduce flood infrastructure costs and increase water for urban cooling of our heat-stressed cities.

Researchers Dr Mark Thyer, Professor Holger Maier along with City of Mitcham, City of Unley and Water Tech have received a commendation from Stormwater SA for this unique system.

Using artificial intelligence and machine learning, the system can adapt the storage required during large rainfall events. This provides an opportunity to reduce infrastructure costs as peak flows are significantly reduced. A case study in the City of Unley catchment, showed peak overland flows were reduced by 20-40%, with infrastructure costs were reduced by 30-44% compared with traditional approaches.

Smart stormwater systems also provide an opportunity to use storages to harvest water during small rainfall events. This can provide water for urban cooling and improve water quality of our urban waterways. The City of Unley case study showed an additional water re-use volume of 3.4ML/year, (equivalent to annual water use of approx. 20 houses) while common containments such as suspended solids, phosphorus and nitrogen were reduced by up to 50%.

The judges of the Stormwater SA, said the project represented “an innovative solution for both flood management and alternative water supply”. This project was supported by the Environment Institute and has a bright future ahead.