The reality for commercial and residential properties without water monitoring systems is a constant risk of severe water damage during non-operational hours. However, water monitoring systems are not only designed to detect and respond to water leakage, but also to identify issues early enough for prompt action.  

In a larger sense, water quality monitoring is vital to protecting water resources. Regular monitoring helps to understand the characteristics of water bodies, detect problems, prevent pollution, and provide business owners with more effective water management.   

How Do Water Quality Monitoring Systems Work?   

Water quality monitoring systems consist of strategic sensor placement, sensor readings, data transfer, and real-time water quality monitoring. The sensors are typically placed within the distribution systems and within a water body. Such placement allows for an accurate data recording. Further, the sensors wirelessly transmit captured data to the data logger. The monitoring device interprets sensor readings and sends the data to a cloud network. The operator receives real-time monitoring information, including critical alerts on found contaminants of water leaks.   

When it comes to commercial establishments, monitoring water quality helps protect employees’ health and ecosystems by identifying harmful substances. The monitoring system consists of both passive and active devices, where the former one senses and predetermines the level of water, temperature, and humidity, while the latter one alerts whenever a shut-off is necessary.   

While passive systems work with either a single spot or multiple spot sensors (to detect an issue), active monitoring systems require a permanent power source, wi-fi connection, and an installation service by a professional plumber. However, both passive and active systems can be smart systems that use machine learning of water usage patterns and can provide an immediate notification in case of water leakage. 

Technological Advances in Water Monitoring Systems   

Technologies that help track environmental conditions, collect precise data, provide analysis, and control water systems, keep progressing. The following innovations are becoming inseparable from water monitoring, whether in commercial, retail, or hospitality businesses.   

• Advanced biosensors   

Using biological components to detect contaminants, biosensors are becoming more sensitive and accurate. The newest biosensors can identify low levels of pathogens or chemicals in water, which helps improve the efficiency of the whole system and reduce costs.   

• Artificial intelligence data analysis   

There is barely any area (especially in commercial industries) that was not affected by AI. Water monitoring systems are not an exception. AI-powered systems can detect pollutants in water, analyze a vast amount of data coming from sensors, and track changes in water quality over a given time period.   

• Wireless Sensor Systems   

The network of wireless sensors provides accurate data based on water quality criteria. The wireless system contains small, low-cost sensors that spread across water bodies measuring pH levels (measuring hydrogen ion activity), turbidity (to measure water clarity), temperature, and dissolved oxygen (to gauge oxygen levels).   

• Drones in water monitoring   

Accessing remote areas and covering large distances quickly, drones equipped with sensors deliver high-resolution images, collect water samples, and help to track algal blooms, measure water levels, and detect any harmful discharges.   

Water Monitoring Systems for Businesses 

• In retail businesses, water leak detection systems are typically installed to help owners prevent water damage and lower water costs during peak shopping hours and off-hours. The water monitoring system in retail addresses the concern around potential damage from water leakage to the goods when the store sits empty at night.  

A water monitoring system also protects retail buildings from leaky fan coils, aging fire sprinkler systems, burst pipes due to extreme weather conditions, and leaky roofs.   

• In the hospitality industry, water monitoring systems are just as paramount. By using monitoring systems (especially smart versions) designed specifically for hotels through instant notifications of water leaks, you are reducing the risk of water damage. That not only prevents water leakage in guest rooms, but also in kitchen areas, laundry facilities, and HVAC systems, as well as alerts for issues like leaking cooling towers, faulty plumbing fixtures, and running toilets.   

• In industrial buildings, water monitoring systems are responsible for stopping immense water damage and detecting water leaks in warehouses, factories, manufacturing facilities, and processing plants. Identifying leaks before they interrupt workflows prevents or minimizes damage in leaking fire suppression systems, water heaters, pipes, HVAC systems, and can also bring the water bill down.   

Additionally, water monitoring systems in large industrial facilities are often equipped with leak detection alerts, helping to prevent major water loss in irrigation systems, humidifiers, industrial washers, and pressure-reducing valves.   

Types of Water Monitoring Systems  

• Real-Time Water Quality Monitoring System  

By using advanced sensors and technologies to detect changes in the water, the real-time water quality monitoring systems provide accurate data on water conditions. This helps to protect public health and ensure the cleanliness of water resources.   

• Smart Automated Monitoring Systems   

The most appreciated side of the smart monitoring system is the convenience of streamlined water quality testing. By using artificial intelligence, smart systems collect water samples and run tests without user interaction. Not only can smart systems analyze collected data and water quality, but also predict potential deviations and notify operators immediately.   

• Continuous Monitoring Systems   

Continuous monitoring systems typically use multi-parameter probes, combining a few sensors in one unit. Those sensors are designed to measure water quality continuously, providing data on dissolved oxygen, temperature, pH level, and turbidity.   

The same systems also include optical sensors that can detect pollutants, spot algae growth, and oil spills by analyzing light patterns in water.   

• Internet of Things (IoT) Systems  

The IoT technology creates a seamless connection between water sensors and the internet, allowing for real-time data analysis. Those systems contain numerous sensors that can cover large bodies of water to detect issues, while cloud platforms store and process the provided data.   

• Customized Monitoring Systems  

Additionally, there are several specialized monitoring systems that provide sampling, texting, and analyzing data from various aquatic environments, including:  

• Domestic and public aquariums (to ensure a safe environment for aquatic life)
• Aquaculture and fisheries (essential to maintain healthy conditions for fish)   
• Environmental and regulatory compliance (to monitor large bodies of water and identify pollution sources)   

Best Water Monitoring Systems in Canada   

Sinopé Sedna  

As Canada’s largest manufacturer of smart home devices, Sinope Sedna offers safety management solutions, including water monitoring, for residential, multi-residential, and business use. Their Sedna Mesh system is an advanced and complete water damage protection solution that detects leaks and provides overall comprehensive protection for a building. 

Phyn   

Phyn, with its award-winning AI technology, monitors water usage for the whole property. Customers are saying that they trust Phyn because the system will notify them as soon as an issue is detected and will turn the water off automatically to prevent flooding.   

Alert Labs  

Alert Labs is a Canadian company that is highly trusted by commercial real estate and property management professionals. The system is designed to detect leaks and monitor water usage by using the AI-powered AlertAQ platform. Additionally, it provides an instant alert (and automatic water shut-off) as soon as it detects a leak.   

WINT Water Intelligence  

WINT is another AI-powered water management platform that focuses on high-volume usage environments. The system learns normal usage patterns, detects anomalies, and automatically shuts off water if a leak occurs. Many commercial customers are saying that the return on investment was noticeable through water reduction due to the intelligent water monitoring system.   

Badger Meter  

As another global leader that specializes in flow measurements and water monitoring, Badger Meter caters to municipal utilities, large-scale commercial systems, and industrial facilities.   

Their advanced technology offers water monitoring and metering infrastructure through solutions like BlueEdge that deliver accurate data.   

H2O Innovation  

H2O Innovation is a Quebec-based company that focuses on comprehensive water treatment and monitoring. They offer solutions for water treatment plants, industrial water reuse, and the full water lifecycle for industries, municipalities, and businesses. Among their services are nanofiltration, H2O monitoring platform, reverse osmosis, and process control.   

Reviewing commercial water costs 

Looking to reduce your utility costs? EnergyRates.ca can help you review and reduce your utility costs beyond water usage. Our experienced team of energy consultants can support you in comparing water solutions and energy plans for your commercial, large commercial or industrial operations. 

Contact us or call us at 1-855-635-9608 for a custom quote based on your utility needs.