A one‑day conference exploring how wireless technology is already being used to improve water management across the River Severn catchment has been hailed a success by organisers.
Smart Streams: Wireless Solutions for Tomorrow’s Water brought together water, environment, technology and local authority specialists to share real‑world examples of how connected tools are supporting better decision‑making, from water quality monitoring and flood resilience to abstraction and irrigation management.
Held at STEAMhouse in Birmingham, the event featured presentations from universities, councils, environmental bodies and industry, alongside panel discussions focused on how proven innovations can move from pilot projects into everyday practice.
Presentations included work by Cranfield University demonstrating how smart abstraction forecasting and precision irrigation can help farmers use water more efficiently during dry periods, while protecting rivers and reducing pressure on supplies.
Other speakers shared examples of wireless water quality monitoring in rivers such as the Clun and Lugg, showing how near real‑time data is helping to identify pollution issues more quickly and target action more effectively. The Environment Agency also outlined how monitoring is being used to better understand the impacts of activities such as wild swimming on water quality.
Community‑focused solutions featured strongly, including projects using connected sensors and alerts to provide earlier flood warnings, helping communities prepare for high water levels and respond more quickly during flood events. Local authorities also shared how wireless gully and drainage monitoring is improving maintenance planning and reducing flood risk in urban areas.
Later sessions explored the role of connectivity itself, including the challenges of deploying reliable networks in rural areas and how improved coverage is enabling new approaches to catchment management and environmental monitoring across the region
Matt Smith, programme manager for the River Severn Partnership Advanced Wireless Innovation Region (RSPAWIR), thanked speakers and attendees for their contribution to the day.
He said: “It was really encouraging to see so many people take the time to come together and share their experience.
“The quality of the presentations and discussions showed that these technologies are no longer theoretical and that they’re already making a difference on the ground. We’re proud of the learnings our various use cases have delivered and grateful to everyone who helped make the event such a success.”
Richard Blackwell from Water Resources West, who led the closing panel discussion, also praised the openness and collaboration shown throughout the conference.
“What stood out was the willingness of people to be honest about what’s working, what’s been challenging and what needs to happen next,” he said. “Days like this are vital for building confidence, sharing learning and creating the partnerships needed to scale up solutions across the water sector. We’re very grateful to everyone who attended and contributed.”
The conference formed part of wider work by Water Resources West and the RSPAWIR to support innovation that delivers environmental improvement, greater resilience to climate pressures and long‑term benefits for communities across the catchment.