The Whitsunday Isaac Mackay Water Alliance (WIMWA) is leading the way in smart wastewater management through its QWRAP-funded Smart Sewer Network project – an initiative that is already attracting attention across the sector. The project was recently highlighted by QWRAP Director Neil Holmes during an AI panel discussion at Ozwater’26, showcasing how regional collaboration and innovation can deliver practical, real-world benefits.
At its core, the project is about proactively managing environmental and public health risks associated with sewer overflows, particularly during storm events, while also helping councils make smarter, more targeted investment decisions. By combining real-time monitoring with advanced analytics, WIMWA is shifting from reactive responses to predictive, data-driven management of sewer networks.
Across the three council areas, continuous level sensors have been installed in key sewer manholes, providing a live picture of how the network is performing. This data feeds into Stormharvester’s AI-powered platform, which integrates multiple sources – including sewer sensors, network systems, and hyperlocal rainfall and groundwater data – to build a detailed understanding of network behaviour.
From this, the system establishes baseline performance, detects anomalies, and predicts potential overflows before they happen. It also supports more strategic decision-making by identifying where inflow and infiltration are occurring, helping councils direct maintenance programs and capital investment where it’s needed most.
The platform’s capabilities extend across the network. It can identify inflow and infiltration early, detect blockages through abnormal data patterns, monitor pump station performance to flag early signs of failure, and spot issues in rising mains before they become critical. Importantly, it can also confirm genuine spills in near real time by filtering out false data, giving operators greater confidence in their response.
One of the most innovative features is the use of a “glass-box” digital twin, which combines physics-based modelling with machine learning to forecast how the network will behave. Much like managing traffic on a road network, the system can identify areas of congestion within the sewer system and recommend (or even automate) control actions to redirect flows. By activating assets such as valves, pumps, and gates at the right time, the network can be optimised to avoid overflows and make the best use of existing infrastructure.
This smarter approach not only reduces the risk of environmental harm but also helps ensure every dollar of infrastructure investment is spent where it will have the greatest impact.
The WIMWA Smart Sewer Network project is a powerful example of how QWRAP is enabling alliances to trial new technologies, build capability, and deliver shared solutions to common challenges. As highlighted at Ozwater’26, it’s also a clear demonstration of how AI is starting to transform water management, bringing tangible benefits to regional communities across Queensland.
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