Remote water level monitoring system unveiled

In what could be seen as a game changer in remote connectivity, South Australian start-up Myriota has developed a web-based system that enables farmers and owners of rural properties to remotely monitor their water tank levels, regardless of their location.

Myriota's system consists of a water tank monitor and an app. The monitors were created by integrating long battery life satellite transmitters with off-the-shelf pressure sensors.

"Sensors will collect tank level data and Myriota’s transmitter will send that data direct to low earth orbit satellites," says Myriota business development executive, Tom Rayner.

"From there, the message will be transmitted to the cloud where the data will be interpreted and sent to the grazier."

According to Myriota Principal Engineer for Cloud Architecture, Andrew Back, the device was designed to be inexpensive, easy-to-use and installed in approximately five minutes.

"Anyone who can use a set of pliers and zip ties will be able to install these devices. The communications technology is advanced but it needs to be very easy to use for the farmer," Back says.

Myriota developed the system with help from the Australian and New Zealand Cooperative Research Centre for Spatial Information (CRCSI) and the Australian Livestock Spatial Innovation Program (ALSIP).

The first units have been deployed on paddocks at the University of New England, Armidale (NSW) and the trial will run for the next few months to determine the cost effectiveness of the system.

So far, the trial has exceeded expectations, Myriota says.

"We focused on allowing the farmer to check a tank with a quick glance of their phone while giving the ability to drill into the detail if needed," Rayner says.

"Last week, one of our trial tanks had a broken pump and the farmer picked up the issue straight away exactly as intended."

Myriota expects to commercialise the product at the conclusion of the trial with hopes that farmers will be able purchase the systems in early 2018.