Solar water sensor in garden part of £51m data project

GOOD growers are always on the lookout for that unusual feature which sets their garden apart.

- TONY HENDERSON

In Dave Ford’s garden, which backs on to a stream, that is a solar-powered unit the size of a small suitcase.

It is one of series of data-gathering monitors which measure key elements in a watercourse every 15 minutes, with sensors which can flag any potential changes to conditions in quick-time, allowing for action to be taken.

As part of a new £51m project by Northumbrian Water, the monitors are being installed in rivers, streams and becks across the North East that to help track water quality and allow teams to respond quicker to any problems or issues. So far, 31 monitors have been installed in areas including Houghton-le Spring and Rainton in Sunderland and, over the next four years, 390 more will be deployed in locations across the region.