New water level sensors being installed on all five of Karanema Havelock North’s streams will provide residents with near real-time updates on rising water levels, enabling flood preparedness and response during severe weather events.
Thirteen of 15 planned monitors have been installed, with the remaining two to be placed after bridge work on Joll Road has been completed, and when an appropriate location has been confirmed on the Karituwhenua Stream.
Once the project is complete, there will be three monitors on the Herehere, four on the Mangarau, three on Te Kahika, two on School, and three on the Karituwhenua streams.
Hastings District Council staff are already monitoring the stream sensor data from the installed monitors. From September, once a process enabling the data to be fed through to the website is complete, residents will be able to access a dashboard to view the information as well.
Council has partnered with Adroit Environmental Intelligence to install the real-time environmental monitoring sensors.
Hastings Mayor, Sandra Hazlehurst said the project was valuable for Karanema Havelock North residents, who could now be reassured that in severe weather timely data would show the water levels on the five Karanema Havelock North streams.
“The five streams all run through residential urban areas into the Karamū Stream so we need near real-time information on what is happening,” she said.
“Council will monitor and be able to see trends over time to inform future planning and investment and monitor stream levels during heavy rain.
“Resources and attention have been directed to improving and maintaining the streams so they can better manage water flow. The stream sensors provide an added layer of information.”
Council’s programme manager, Darren de Klerk said the website dashboard will integrate water level data with local MetService information, and the Karanema Havelock North dam monitoring system, to provide a unified view for Council to monitor and residents to check.
“We are excited about releasing this dashboard on our website. It will help build confidence within the community, with residents and other interested people able to keep an eye on stream levels.
“While we already have a better understanding of what’s happening and how the streams will respond during severe weather, it’s actually having the real-life data and visibility that will help us and residents understand the risks and what actions we’re taking.
“As well as enabling residents to check the stream levels at any time, most importantly the information from the stream alert sensors will be closely monitored by Council teams during extreme weather, providing more time to prepare for and take action if needed,” he said.
Adroit general manager, Guy Macpherson said the new high-tech monitoring system is the most comprehensive example of environmental sensors used for flood detection and emergency response in action in New Zealand, and is likely to set the standard for other councils and regions.
Hear more about stream sensors here.
