At Rain, we have developed an innovative approach to anticipating stormwater pipe blockages.
Using existing pipe sensor technology, we’ve integrated machine learning and customised programming to monitor the water flow behaviour in a stormwater pit over time, predicting blockages before they become a larger issue.
The resulting pit data assesses what is normal for that pit and its pipes during various flow events. Using this data, our system can detect and flag abnormal flows that may indicate a blockage has occurred or is forming, impeding water flow, and potentially causing costly damages and repairs.
Staying ready between storms
This tool enables councils to prioritise stormwater pit inspections and remedial repairs prior to weather events. Rather than being reactive to storm events and flooded pits, an inspection schedule can proactively maintain problematic pipes in a catchment, both individually and collectively. The result is a reduction in risk, labour, materials and time.
Facilitating smarter risk assessment
Since the tool is GIS and web-based, it can be used to complete Risk Assessments outside of flood models for Critical Infrastructure, such as Substations, Hospitals, and Transport Hubs. We can configure the sensors to fit seamlessly within flood models as required.
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Applying our innovative sensor and monitoring technology to your stormwater pits and pipes.
Focus Areas
Ranking Pipe Blockage Risk: An Innovative Methodology for Flood Resilience and Efficient Maintenance
Our Pipe Blockage Assessment Tool calculates the likelihood of a blockage and predicts its consequences. Using our innovative QGIS Approach, flood models are not specifically required to rank pipe blockage potential, providing impact across large catchments.
- Facilitates proactive and prioritised drainage maintenance
- Allows better Maintenance Budget allocation
- Enables pre-flood maintenance of priority pipes and pits
Use Cases Include:
- Storm Preparation: Identify the top 10–20 pipes most likely to block and cause problems.
- Annual Maintenance Planning: Focus cleaning efforts on high-likelihood, high-consequence areas.
- Budget Allocation: Justify investment in maintenance based on risk, not just routine.
- Verification: Compare tool outputs with known problem spots or flood model results to refine cleaning schedules.
- Funding: Critical Infrastructure Protection may open new sources of funding.
DRIFT – Drainage Risk & Impact Forecasting Tool
Rain’s DRIFT Sensor Program monitors and learns over time. The tool assesses the normal pass-through of a flow event to identify blockages not only at pits but also between them.
A Typical Flow Event Scenario:
1/ A Rainfall event occurs. DRIFT learns over time the “normal” hydrograph shape and monitors for abnormalities through our custom-written code and machine learning.
2/ Council is alerted by DRIFT that a blockage could be forming. DRIFT provides a pinpointed location of the blockage for maintenance crews to investigate.
3/ A Council maintenance crew acts to clear a partial blockage before it forms into a significant blockage.
4/ A standard jet hosing flushes sediment downstream and keeps it moving in the line to be collected at dedicated locations downstream.
Additional monitoring opportunities:
When tied to weather stations or radar, abnormal flows can help detect illegal connections and pollution events.
In larger events where flooding occurs, DRIFT can determine whether the pipe network is operating to full potential. The reports can help identify system improvements and be useful for councils involved in litigation with homeowners, business owners, or authorities.
