Real-Time Watershed Control

Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA

To reduce flooding and improve water quality, Professor Branko Kerkez and his team are using autonomous sensors and valves to create “smart” stormwater systems. In collaboration with social scientists, engineers, and local officials and residents, Kerkez is working to discover adaptive, real-time ways to reduce flooding forecasting, and improve water quality.

Water Theme
  • Principal Investigators

    Branko Kerkez, PhD, MS

  • Other Contributors

    School of Suitability UoM

    University of Tennessee

    University of Virginia

    City of Ann Arbor, Washtenaw County, Huron River Watershed Council

Funding Sources

National Science Foundation

Great Lakes Protection Fund

Great Lakes Water Authority

About the Project

Leveraging recent advances in technologies surrounding the Internet of Things, “smart” water systems are poised to transform water resources management by enabling ubiquitous real-time sensing and control.

Recent applications have demonstrated the potential to improve flood forecasting, enhance rainwater harvesting, and prevent combined sewer overflows.

 

Kerkez has founded Open-storm.org, an open source consortium dedicated to promoting education and uptake of smart water systems.

 

Working with social scientists, engineers, and local officials and residents from four communities, Kerkez is looking to bolster the ability to withstand and limit the damage from severe weather. Participating communities are Ann Arbor; South Bend, Indiana; Charlottesville, Virginia; and Knoxville, Tennessee. Currently, Ann Arbor is serving as an experimental "smart" watershed.

 

The stormwater system features between 10 and 20 sensors per square mile in its system, and testing is already underway. Sensors measure the quality of the water, as well as how much of it is flowing through the system at any given time, and other variables.

Real-Time-Watershed-Control-3
Real-Time-Watershed-Control-4

Project goals include answers to the following questions:

  •  How can real time controls in stormwater systems improve performance?
  •  What barriers are there in the public perception of "smart" stormwater systems, and how can we overcome them?
  •  How can technology be developed and implemented to allow large cities, such as Dallas and Houston, to control flooding and water quality in real time?
Real-Time-Watershed-Control-5
Real-Time-Watershed-Control-6

Related Projects

Improving-Water-Quality-1
Water Theme

Improving Water Quality in Ox Creek

Benton Harbor, Michigan, USA

Using wireless sensors to monitor water quality and flow conditions and to control drains to Ox Creek in Benton Harbor.

Learn More
Removing-Phosphorus-Discharge-1
Water Theme

Optimizing Phosphorus Removal at Detroit’s Water Resource Recovery Facility (WRRF)

Detroit, Michigan, USA

Optimizing phosphorus removal at Detroit’s water treatment facility, to keep it out of lakes and rivers.

Learn More
The-Power-Microorganisms-Treat-Water-1
Water Theme

The Power of Microorganisms to Treat Water

Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA

Investigating the use of cutting-edge molecular tools that characterize and optimize water quality process performance.

Learn More
Protecting-Public-Health-Improved-Water--Service-1
Health Theme Water Theme

Protecting Public Health with Improved Water Service

Benton Harbor, Michigan, USA

Improving Benton Harbor’s aging water system using risk assessment and risk analysis techniques, as well as mobile sensors.

Learn More
Liquid-Planning-Detroit-1
Water Theme

Liquid Planning Detroit

Detroit, Michigan, USA

Limiting the volume of stormwater in the Detroit system to prevent untreated sewage from being released into the Detroit and Rouge Rivers.

Learn More
Artificial-Intelligence-and-Water-Resource-Recovery-Facilities-1
Water Theme

Use of Artificial Intelligence in Water Resource Recovery Facilities (WRRF)

Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA

Using big data, data mining, and artificial intelligence to improve performance of the highly advanced Grand Rapids Water Resource Recovery Facilities.

Learn More
GLWA-Real-Time-1
Infrastructure Theme Water Theme

Demonstration Project for Real-Time Stormwater Control in Southeast Michigan

Detroit, Michigan, USA

Application of real-time sensing and dynamic control on existing wastewater infrastructure to reduce the frequency and volume of Combined Sewer Overflows.

Learn More
Point-Use-Water-Filters-1
Social Theme Water Theme

Point of Use Water Filters: A Grassroots Train-the-Trainer Program

Flint and Flint, Michigan, USA

A grassroots train-the-trainer program on how to install, operate and maintain faucet-mounted point-of-use filters to protect for lead in drinking water.

Learn More
Health Theme Infrastructure Theme Water Theme

In-Place Structural Monitoring of Cast Iron Water Main Renewal

Detroit, Michigan, USA

The Great Lakes Water Authority is looking for ways to rehabilitate large diameter water mains without actually having to dig up city streets.

Learn More
Health Theme Water Theme

Treating PFAS Impacted Groundwater using Plasma

Ypsilanti, Michigan, USA

A PFAS treatment approach for groundwater using low-temperature plasma with a concentration phase

Learn More
Water Theme Health Theme Infrastructure Theme

Assessment of Risk for Southeast Michigan’s Drinking Water Transmission System

Detroit, Michigan, USA

The University of Michigan is developing a structural reliability framework to quantify the probability of failure of pipe segments throughout the GLWA system.

Learn More
Finance Theme Infrastructure Theme Water Theme

Data-Driven Decision-Making Framework for Risk Management of the GLWA Water Transmission System

Detroit, Michigan, USA

The goal of this project is to develop a data-driven asset management framework that quantifies risk in the water distribution network for southeast Michigan.

Learn More
Health Theme Infrastructure Theme Mobility Theme Social Theme Water Theme

Ox Creek Corridor Visioning Project

Benton Harbor, Michigan, USA

The city of Benton Harbor wishes to transform Ox Creek into a residential, recreational and commercial centerpiece linking important segments of the community.

Learn More
Water Theme

Michigan Center for Freshwater Innovation (MCFI)

The State of Michigan, Michigan, USA

The MCFI will leverage research in water technology and work with stakeholders to translate research into practice, stimulate business growth and job creation.

Learn More
Finance Theme Health Theme Infrastructure Theme Social Theme Water Theme

State of Michigan Water Infrastructure Regional Planning

The State of Michigan, Michigan, USA

Recommendations were developed to promote regional planning to ensure infrastructure investments are equitable and result in high-quality drinking water.

Learn More
Health Theme Social Theme Water Theme

Great Lakes Legacy Act (GLLA) Restoration of the Rouge River

Detroit, Michigan, USA

The Urban Collaboratory is working with the USEPA and the Great Lakes Water Authority to remediate and restore the Rouge River.

Learn More