Wrocław Embraces IoT Innovation – Water Quality Monitoring in the Oder River
Wrocław is investing in innovation to enhance residents’ quality of life and safety. As part of this effort, a water quality monitoring system based on Internet of Things (IoT) technology has been implemented in the Oder River. Discover how Wrocław is using new technologies to benefit both its citizens and the environment.
- Client: Smart City, Wrocław City Hall
- Industry: Public
Our Partner
Wrocław is one of Poland’s largest and oldest cities, located in the south-western region of Lower Silesia.
The city lies on the Oder River and its many tributaries, earning it the nickname “Venice of the North”. With over 640,000 inhabitants, Wrocław is a key academic, economic, and cultural hub in the region.
The city is developing rapidly, investing in smart city solutions, modern infrastructure, sustainable transport, and urban innovation. It successfully blends historic charm with a modern approach to city management.
Customers inspire our innovations
Objectives and Challenges
As a city with significant access to natural water resources, Wrocław treats water management as a critical priority. City officials recognise the need to develop infrastructure sustainably, with a focus on river cleanliness and in light of ongoing climate change.
That’s why Wrocław is committed to deploying modern technologies that monitor and improve water quality. The city actively invests in innovative water treatment solutions, sustainable resource management, and educational initiatives that raise public awareness about aquatic environmental protection.
Joint Action
Cities are required to monitor environmental parameters, including water quality in urban rivers. Traditional methods – manual sampling and laboratory testing – are time-consuming, prompting Wrocław to seek a more modern and efficient approach. Once the necessary approvals were secured, analytical buoys were tested, and key locations selected based on the need to monitor, among other factors, chloride and nitrate concentrations.
In partnership with the Wrocław Smart City initiative, the buoys were adapted to the project’s needs and installed at two locations along the Oder – one upstream, one downstream – allowing water quality to be monitored across various river segments. Measurement results were made available to residents via a dedicated website, which also allowed users to ask questions about water conditions and safe river use.
IoT-Based Implementation
Wrocław adopted a modern, efficient IoT-based solution enabling remote, continuous, and real-time monitoring of water parameters in the Oder River. Data from the sensors installed in the buoys is transmitted in real time to a dedicated IoT Platform hosted at the T-Mobile Data Centre. This allows for immediate detection of pollution and, when limits are exceeded, automatic alerts are sent to designated staff.
The analytical buoys were designed with energy efficiency in mind – they’re powered by solar panels installed at the highest points of each unit, ensuring energy independence and uninterrupted operation.
Benefits of Our Partnership
Remote Monitoring
24/7 water quality monitoring
Automation
Simultaneous, real-time readings from both devices
SMS/Email Alerts
Automatic notifications enable rapid response to high pollution levels
Customisable Measurements
Devices can be relocated if water quality needs to be monitored in new sections of the river
What the Client Gains from IoT Technology
Client Success
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