RainSense – Door de Regen uit de Drup

Real-time monitoring system for rainwater reuse: reducing the use of drinking and groundwater and addressing sources of pollution

To ensure that the population can continue to have access to sufficient clean drinking water during times of drought in the future, the Dutch water system needs a significant overhaul. At the same time, the way people think about water must also change. Take rainwater, for example: the current system is designed to discharge stormwater into surface water as quickly as possible, even though it could also be effectively used for infiltration or for various purposes that currently consume drinking or groundwater unnecessarily — such as irrigating sports fields, flushing toilets, or washing clothes.

However, to use it safely, the water must not be contaminated. During runoff, combined sewer overflows, or discharges of pollutants, the water in the stormwater sewer can become contaminated. At present, there is no system in place that can quickly and effectively monitor the quality of this water, which is why it is still rarely reused.

Goal of the project

The RAINsense project aims to change that. In this project, OptiSenseData, together with partners i-Sago, iReckon, 2M Engineering, and Waterprof is developing a user- and decision-supporting real-time monitoring system to measure both the quantity and quality of water in stormwater sewers. When the water quality is good, it can be infiltrated or stored for reuse, reducing the unnecessary use of groundwater and drinking water. Additionally, the monitoring system can help identify the source of any pollution, allowing targeted action to prevent future contamination.

RainSense is a revolutionary solution that takes water management to the next level. By combining advanced sensor technology with intelligent data analysis, RainSense enables continuous monitoring and management of both the quality and quantity of water in stormwater sewers. The result? A sustainable water system equipped to effectively address the impacts of climate change, such as heavy rainfall and prolonged drought.

The challenges posed by climate change call for innovative approaches, as traditional water management strategies often fall short. RainSense provides municipalities, water authorities, and other stakeholders with the insights they need to respond to changes in a timely and effective manner. The system not only helps detect water pollution early but also supports the efficient use of rainwater as an alternative to groundwater and drinking water.

With RainSense, you can:

• Monitor and analyze water quality in real time
• Make forecasts using intelligent algorithms
• Detect and address pollution at an early stage
• Reuse rainwater to reduce pressure on natural water resources

How does RainSense work?

The system uses sensors strategically placed in stormwater sewers in urban and industrial areas. These sensors collect data such as pH, temperature, and oxygen levels. The data is processed on an advanced platform, where patterns and anomalies are immediately visible.

Thanks to predictive analytics, RainSense not only offers solutions to existing problems but also enables water managers to be prepared for future challenges. This helps minimise flooding, pollution, and water waste — and contributes to building a more resilient water system, ready to meet the demands of tomorrow.

Wastewater Conductivity Sensor

2M Engineering is currently developing a robust conductivity sensor designed for use in both wastewater and surface water environments. Engineered to perform reliably in both stillstanding and flowing conditions, the sensor is optimized for long-term field deployment. Its most distinctive feature is an exceptionally wide sensing range, making it suitable for diverse applications — from low-conductivity rainwater to highly polluted or saline wastewater streams. The sensor is being tailored for integration into real-time monitoring systems and is built to withstand harsh environmental conditions with minimal maintenance.

This project has been co-financed by the European Union