Virtual eyes enhance Auckland Council’s flood management

Auckland Council has made a significant advancement in its stormwater management capabilities through the deployment of cutting-edge, AI-driven hotspot cameras across the city.

The initiative is part of the Making Space for Water (MSFW) programme, a comprehensive 10-year, $760 million effort funded by local and government sources to improve flood readiness and mitigate risk across Auckland.

Following a successful trial in 2022, which saw seven solar-powered cameras capture images at key stormwater sites, then use artificial intelligence to analyse the information and alert contractors to problems, Auckland Council is set to expand this technology.

Chair of the Planning, Environment and Parks Committee Councillor Richard Hills says the expansion of this technology underscores the council's commitment to using innovative solutions to enhance the city's resilience against flooding.

"These AI-equipped cameras are a game-changer, providing data that vastly improves our operational capabilities enabling quicker interventions and more proactive maintenance of our stormwater infrastructure."

The cameras, solar-powered and equipped with AI, not only support Auckland's environmental sustainability goals but also ensure continuous operation without adding to the carbon footprint.

This initiative has already gained recognition, winning a Water NZ award in 2023 for its innovative approach to stormwater management. As AI technology advances, the benefits of this initiative will grow, providing more accurate data, faster response times, and enhanced predictive capabilities.

Auckland Council's Head of Planning (Water) Nick Vigar says the council is committed to making Auckland a safer place by using intelligent infrastructure and technology.

"This technology is a core component of the flood intelligence initiative under MSFW, focusing on upgrading existing tools and incorporating new technologies for better planning, monitoring and modelling of flood risks.

"The project is evidence of our proactive approach to managing the challenges posed by climate change and urban development."

Aucklanders can look forward to enhanced flood management that is not only effective but also sustainable, ensuring the city's preparedness for adverse weather conditions into the future.

To date, 23 cameras hve been installed with 27 more to be in place by the end of 2024 at critical stormwater assets throughout the city, to monitor and analyse images for changes in water levels, flow, and potential debris blockages.

These critical assets may include hard infrastructure such as channels, culverts, and pipes, as well as natural assets like streams on public land, which all play a vital role in Auckland's flood management strategy.

The cameras will be strategically located based on critical need, providing early detection, reduced response times, and helping to minimize flood damage.

This initiative aims to enhance and improve proactive maintenance and operations of Auckland's stormwater network, and continuous improvements to the technology will strength the city's flood management system making it more resilient and efficient.

Key benefits of the AI-driven hotspot cameras:

• Sustainability: solar-powered and AI-driven, the cameras reduce carbon footprint and ensure continuous operation
• Cost-efficiency: help plan maintenance of stormwater infrastructure with information captured by cameras
• Continuous monitoring: provide network monitoring and intelligence of critical stormwater infrastructure.

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