Water quality monitoring is going global adpting Australia's AquaWatch system
Australia and the UK are teaming up to adapt Australia's AquaWatch system in a national rollout across the UK - marking the first time the technology is being exported outside Australia.
Image credit: CSIRO - The European Space Agency’s Sentinel-2 satellite is one source of satellite data for the AquaWatch Mission.
The AquaWatch system integrates satellite data and on-ground sensors to provide near real-time water quality updates across rivers, reefs and coasts. Through this collaboration, the technology will be enhanced and scaled up to deliver actionable insights on water quality changes in the UK.
Early test sites are already up and running. This project demonstrates the power of international collaboration in advancing space technologies for global environmental monitoring.
AquaWatch integrates data from water sensors and satellites to provide near-real time updates and forecasts on water quality. This allows for early warning systems.
The project received joint funding from the Australian and UK space agencies, building on their partnership through the UK-Australia Space Bridge initiative.
Test sites have already been established in Australia. A test site in Plymouth, UK is monitoring river runoff into the estuary and coast.
The collaboration leverages expertise and technologies from both countries to enhance AquaWatch. It also helps grow Australia's capability in building Earth observation systems.
Why It Matters:
This shows the value of international collaboration in space programs to share knowledge and enhance technologies.
Adapting AquaWatch to the UK demonstrates the system's scalability to other countries for monitoring water quality.
It highlights how space technology like satellites can help monitor environmental changes and issues globally.
The project has real-world applications in providing actionable water quality data to inform decisions and policies around public health, aquaculture, agriculture and more.
Expanding AquaWatch advances sustainable development goals around clean water access and environmental monitoring.
Original article: https://www.csiro.au/en/news/All/News/2024/April/Australia-joins-with-UK-to-deliver-large-scale-water-quality-monitoring-from-space
