IoTech, a Poole-based provider of Internet of Things (IoT) solutions, has installed the UK’s first 9-in-1 smart weather station at Boscombe Seafront.

This marks a major step forward in environmental monitoring under BCP Council’s “Smart Place” initiative.

The innovative technology, utilising LoRaWAN for data transmission, is a key component of the “Bathing Water Quality” project, designed to monitor water quality and serve as a model for coastal councils across the UK.

Boscombe Beach, a hotspot for both locals and visitors, now benefits from continuous efforts to maintain high water quality standards.

The newly installed IoT weather station enables real-time data collection and analysis, providing critical insights into water conditions.

This advanced technology helps detect pollutants and monitor changes over time, ensuring that water quality remains high, safeguarding public health, and improving the beach experience for everyone.

The 9-in-1 Compact Weather Sensor from IoTech measures nine crucial environmental factors: air temperature, humidity, air pressure, light, rainfall, pollution, PM2.5, PM10, wind speed, and wind direction.

PM2.5 and PM10 are fine particles that indicate air quality and its impact on health.

Leveraging LoRaWAN technology, which stands for ‘Long Range Wide Area Network’, the weather station offers reliable, long-distance data transmission, providing real-time environmental data essential for effective water quality monitoring.

Michael Leggett, Managing Director of IoTech, emphasised the importance of this technology: “Our smart weather station delivers precise, real-time data crucial for tackling water quality challenges.

“By offering accurate and timely information, this technology enables better resource management and faster responses to environmental changes.

“Integrating this with BCP Council’s system helps create a safer, more sustainable environment by promoting efficient and proactive measures.”

The “Bathing Water Quality” project, funded by the Towns Fund and awarded to UnifAI Technology, aims to develop an AI/ML-based system for real-time water quality monitoring and prediction.

IoTech’s weather station provides vital data for this system, enhancing its accuracy and reliability. This data will be accessible via an online dashboard and app for BCP Council and the public, allowing people to make informed decisions about water safety before swimming.

This partnership between BCP Council’s Smart Place team, IoTech, Wessex Water, Iknaia, and UnifAI Technology establishes a new benchmark in environmental monitoring and public health protection. As the system becomes fully operational, beachgoers at Boscombe Beach will benefit from improved visibility and accuracy regarding water quality.

IoTech hopes this initiative will inspire other coastal local authorities to adopt similar innovative technologies for enhanced water quality monitoring and environmental stewardship.

• https://www.iotech.co.uk/