#SmartTownsWales

You are here: Home > Resources and Training > Case Studies > Water saving sensors in Wrexham

Water saving sensors in Wrexham

Sensors in flower beds

Dave Evans, Wales’ first Smart Towns officer in Wales, has been very busy over the past few months, with the support of Gary Howells, Founder of Morgan Walsh Consultancy LTD. This time it’s all about saving water and this case study gives a brief outline of how installing some moisture sensors has generated a cost, time and carbon saving for Wrexham!

Challenge...

Flower beds in Wrexham city centre were regularly being over-watered, so council wanted to ensure they were maintained in the most efficient way

Action taken...

They have now successfully installed 60 sensors, one in each flower bed!

Sensors used...

The Dragino SE01-LB moisture sensor; a robust easy to install sensor, with a battery life expectancy of 8 – 10 years. The sensor measures moisture, temperature and conductivity of the soil. This Data is really useful  to optimize the growing conditions of the flowers during the summer months.

As you can see below, within the Tago dashboard, since the sensors have been installed Dave, and the environment officers are now able to monitor when flowerbeds are in need of watering as the moisture is below 25% (red),  moisture above 70% so over-watered (yellow) or green meaning the moisture is between 25 and 70% so don’t require attention;

Cost and time savings...

This has resulted in saving c1000 litres of water a day, water is on average 1p per litre... So a cost saving of £10 per day – this is in the very early stages, so just imagine the savings over 365 days!

It has also reduced the cost of fuel for the bowser (water tank) and towing vehicle which on average costs £200 a month, yet another saving! 

Time savings have also been established too ! The local streetscene operative now spends a lot less of his time watering the flower beds, which means he can use his time on other tasks that need attention within the council. On average this is a saving of at least 2 hours a day, so 40 hours a month.

The reduction in carbon also has to be taken into account from not using the vehicle and bowser as much. This has prompted conversations within the council to look at procuring an electric vehicle to tow the bowser and also explore the option of an electric motor bowser to reduce the carbon impact to the Environment.

Sharing best practice...

A local garden centre have also since approached the team for discussions about sensors in there too, so the lessons learned are already spreading and could help small businesses save money too!


*all values are estimated as this case study has been written in real time

 

Have a similar story you'd like to share?...

If you have any stories to share, lessons learned or even a new sensor you’ve tried that you think would benefit others, please get in touch with the Smart Towns team

Email:         smarttowns@mentermon.com

Instagram: @trefismarttownscymru

LinkedIn:    Trefi Smart Towns Wales