While utilities worldwide continue digitising their networks, Watercare’s latest sewer monitoring initiative signals a shift in how digital infrastructure operates. 

In partnership with Kallipr, Watercare is rolling out 5,000 sewer level monitors across its wastewater network – designed not just to capture data, but to interpret and act on it at  the source. 

Unlike conventional systems that depend exclusively on cloud processing, this  deployment uses edge-based logic which will help to detect events like blockages, pipe  failures and groundwater intrusion in real time in conjunction with the AI analytics  platform.  

By processing data locally, the system lowers communication overhead, improves solution lifespan, and helps identify issues earlier, before spills, environmental damage or cost escalation. 

“What’s unique here is where the intelligence lives,” said Dave Moore, Smart Systems  Manager at Watercare.  

“By shifting processing out to the edge, we’re cutting down on cloud consumption and enabling the network to respond faster, closer to the source of the issue in near real time. It means less lag, less noise, and far more confidence in how we manage events as they unfold.” 

Moving Beyond Monitoring 

The sensors provided by Kallipr are part of a $12 million Smart Network Programme,  which focuses on integrating digital technologies and artificial intelligence software with  Watercare infrastructure.  

They’re being installed City wide including flood-prone regions like Wairau and is  expected to many overflows annually. Each device, fitted beneath manhole lids, uses radar sensing, TinyML-powered logic and long-life battery power to autonomously  monitor sewer conditions and adapt sampling rates based on anomalies.  

This embedded intelligence enables faster detection and response, reduces pressure on  cloud infrastructure and helps extend the life of existing assets.

“Many utilities are still focused on collecting more data but the next leap forward is  creating intelligence in the field,” said Gerhard Loots, CEO of Kallipr.

“This deployment shows how utilities can evolve from data-heavy, cloud-reliant systems to a model that’s faster, leaner, and built for real-world complexity. Watercare is leading with a future ready approach that others can follow.” 

The Technology  

At the core is Spectra, Kallipr’s rugged, battery-powered radar sensor designed for the  harsh conditions of sewer networks. Built to survive corrosive gases, submersion, animal interference and signal challenges, it captures level data every 15 minutes and ramps up sampling when signs of overflow or blockage are detected locally.  

Spectra communicates via low-power LTE networks (NB-IoT and Cat-M1) and uses  onboard TinyML to adapt and optimise locally, extending battery life and reducing cloud  reliance.  

Connectivity in underground environments like manholes is notoriously unreliable. To address this, Spectra features dual SIM capability and edge-based logic that continuously assesses signal strength and selects the best available network.

This ensures resilient, hands-off connectivity even in the most challenging locations. Devices are managed through Kallipr Kloud Fleet, a secure IoT fleet platform built on Microsoft Azure, providing remote visibility and control across thousands of distributed units.  

Global Relevance 

Edge processing reduces bandwidth usage, energy consumption and cloud load, cutting  operational costs while improving environmental outcomes. Every spill prevented avoids  contamination, field visits and unnecessary emissions.  

Watercare’s approach illustrates how the next generation of smart infrastructure is defined not by how much data is collected, but by where decisions are made.

By moving intelligence to the edge, the utility is enabling faster, more efficient action – at scale. Auckland’s deployment reflects a growing shift toward decentralised, resilient infrastructure, where edge logic drives responsiveness, cost efficiency, and long-term adaptability. 

About Kallipr 

Kallipr builds rugged edge IoT solutions for water, rail, mining and environmental monitoring. With devices deployed globally, Kallipr enables organisations to collect, manage and act on critical data from the most extreme and remote locations.

About Watercare 

Watercare is New Zealand’s largest water utility, providing water and wastewater services to over 1.7 million people across Auckland.

Over the next 10 years, Watercare will carry out more than 1000 projects to improve and expand its water and wastewater infrastructure – investing an average of $3.8 million every day ($13.8 billion in total).