Smart Monitoring for a Smarter Wastewater System in Požega

Flooding, unpredictable wastewater loads, and overflow risks have long been challenges for urban drainage networks.

In recent years, Požega has experienced several significant storms and flooding events, primarily due to intense rainfall and inadequate drainage capacity. Flash floods have occasionally overwhelmed the town’s wastewater system, leading to operational challenges and environmental risks. Heavy storms in 2022 and 2023 caused localized flooding, stressing the need for improved monitoring and predictive measures. These events underscored the importance of real-time data collection and early warnings to mitigate overflow risks and protect both infrastructure and the environment.

In Požega, Croatia, a proactive approach has been taken to revolutionize wastewater management through NIVUS monitoring technology and know-how.

A Vision for Better Wastewater Management

In collaboration with Tekija d.o.o., the local utility company, and expert partners Flow-ing d.o.o. and Eko-mlaz.dm d.o.o. NIVUS has played a crucial role in a identical project: Hydraulic Analysis and and implementation of a Technical Solution for the Improvement of the Wastewater System in the Sajmište Microdistrict.

With a tight deadline of four months, the project was successfully completed in just two, demonstrating the efficiency and dedication of all partners involved.

Measurement and Monitoring Setup

To comprehensively assess and improve the system, a range of advanced monitoring devices was installed:

18 flow rate measurement points (measuring velocity, water level, temperature, and flow rate)
3 rain gauges for precipitation analysis
3 watercourse measuring stations for external water inflows

One of the key technologies deployed in this project was the Nivus NFM750 Portable Flow Measurement System, which uses cross-correlation technology to provide highly reliable real-time and online flow data. This system played a crucial role in capturing accurate measurements across the drainage network and supporting the hydraulic analysis.

The integration of advanced monitoring solutions, including the Nivus NFM750, provided several operational advantages for both the sewer network and the wastewater treatment plant:

Enhanced Real-Time Monitoring: Reliable real-time data collection allowed for proactive decision-making and immediate response to critical situations.
Improved Overflow Prediction: By analyzing network loads, the system enabled early warnings for potential WWTP overflow, preventing environmental damage and operational disruptions.
Optimized Treatment Processes: More accurate inflow predictions led to better load management at the WWTP, enhancing treatment efficiency and reducing energy consumption.
Data-Driven Infrastructure Planning: Hydraulic modeling insights from collected data provided a strong foundation for future system improvements and expansions.

This project in Požega demonstrates how NIVUS flow measurement and hydraulic modeling can significantly enhance wastewater network management. By investing in real-time monitoring and predictive analysis, the town has taken a significant step toward ensuring a more sustainable and efficient wastewater system for the future.