The Waka is housed in a modular floating unit made from Recycled Milk Bottles. Using IoT technology to gather data, the hydrodynamic design enables the Waka to sample in any condition.
Satellite IoT connectivity
Cellular IoT connectivity
pH level monitoring
Temperature monitoring
Conductivity monitoring
Dissolved Oxygen monitoring
Turbidity monitoring
The Waka comes with five sensors, with room for two more sensors to be added. Our adaptive solution includes the hardware (Waka and Signal Mate) with the Software, IoT Connectivity and Servicing (subscription) to deliver a plug and play, cradle to grave system, helping you find out what is happening in our waterways in real-time, rather than after it has happened.
Our solution remotely samples water quality every 15 minutes, sending valuable data back via Cellular IoT or Swarm IoT satellite communications, using Artificial Intelligence and providing essential information and alerts in real-time. The RiverWatch Waka is a complete freshwater and saltwater monitoring solution equipped with industry-leading features, making water quality monitoring affordable, robust, and efficient.
The Waka shell is made out of 70% recycled milk bottles. We are working on full product stewardship, as we completely recycle our sensors, electronics and hardware at the end of their lifetime.
The batteries we use are rechargeable LiPo (lithium-ion polymers). A fully charged battery lasts six months when sampling every 15 minutes. During regular Waka services, we charge or replace the battery as needed.
The hardware is self-righting, designed to capsize then return upright without needing to intervene. It is self-positioning and mobile, as it receives signals from transmitters and calculates its position based on the signals.
The Waka is tethered from above to avoid snags and the effects of weathering. Keel is the main part of the Waka. It runs along the centre of the bottom of the unit, protecting the sensors and increasing flow over sensor surfaces.
The Waka hull is a patented design. As the body of the Waka is a hydrodynamic design, it reduces drag, optimal for sensor performance.
Rugged HDPE (high-density polythene) casing protects the electronics housed in the Waka and ensures it survives the knocks of waves and weathering.
The PCB (printed circuit board) is designed and built specifically for the Waka, providing modularity. It also enables us to swap and replace sensors easily.
The reed switch is an electromagnetic switch used to control the Waka. Simply swipe the magnet over the reed switch to turn the unit off and on.
The five sensors include pH, Temperature, Conductivity, Dissolved Oxygen and Turbidity, with room in the Waka to add two additional sensors. Upgradable sensor options include Nitrate, Chlorophyll and Flow Rate at additional cost.
The real-time software linked with the pH sensor sends data about the acidity or alkalinity of water straight to the user. Monitor how pH levels can fluctuate and indicate water quality issues with artificial intelligence software.
The temperature sensor measures water temperature and indicates the metabolic rate of aquatic life and thermal loading or discharge. IoT technology sends temperature data to the users’ devices every 15 minutes.
The conductivity sensor is housed in the robust, hydrodynamic hardware and measures ionic concentrations in water. The user can see real-time data on dissolved compounds in aqueous solutions.
The dissolved oxygen sensor indicates aquatic resources and the water bodies ability to support aquatic life. Intelligent software predicts if fish or other organisms are at risk due to low dissolved oxygen water levels.
The turbidity sensor tests sediments in water by how much light that passes through and relays that information. Monitor oceans, rivers and streams with IoT technology sending updates every 15 minutes.
While nitrate can’t be tasted, seen or smelt, excess levels can be harmful and hazardous to aquatic and human life. Real-time data collection sends information about nitrate levels, monitoring how businesses, farmers, or communities contribute to water pollution and what activities are causing it.
The chlorophyll sensor shows concentrations of algal growth. Changing chlorophyll can be linked to phosphorus and nitrogen levels in freshwater ecosystems. The smart software uses artificial intelligence to show if water bodies have excess algal growth from fertilisers, sewage treatment or urban runoff.
The flow rate sensor can be housed in the hydrodynamic hardware, suitable for any water conditions. The sensor takes flow measurements and is essential for pairing with nutrient concentration data. Such measurements indicate water quality, with artificial intelligence predicting flow rate changes.
Our installation options vary to meet your needs. Based on location and flood intensity, we help you choose the best-fit method to ensure the Waka is secure.
The typical tethering option is best suited for remote streams and rivers with a standard stage height variation of 1.5m.
The tethering solution is a lightweight, compact and easy-to-install option using a ground screw anchor and telescopic rod.
We recommend the right option based on your requirements, can assist with the installation and provide the tethering equipment at an additional cost.
The custom tethering option is best suited for waterways with a non-standard stage height variation, greater than 1.5m.
The solution can be customised to your needs based on height variation and location.
We explore the tethering options using existing structures like a bridge, jetty, stock exclusion fence or similar. The tether rope attachment can be either a lightweight steel cable or strong nylon rope.