Edge Intelligence Puts Australia’s Water on Alert

Kallipr and Barwon Water roll out smart sensors to predict and prevent sewer issues

27 Oct 2025

Australia’s water utilities are embracing a quiet technological shift. In Victoria, Barwon Water has partnered with Brisbane-based Kallipr to introduce Spectra, a new sewer-monitoring system that uses radar sensors and on-site analytics to spot blockages before they cause trouble.

Unlike traditional systems that send all data to the cloud, Spectra processes information at the source. This allows utilities to respond faster to overflow risks and cut the cost of manual inspections. Its low-power, wireless design suits regional networks, which are often harder to monitor. “We’re no longer just collecting data, we’re acting on it in real time,” said a Kallipr executive, underscoring the advantage of local decision-making.

For Barwon Water, the partnership advances its ambition to eliminate preventable spills and strengthen system resilience. The project also signals a broader digital transformation across Australia’s water sector. Industry observers see parallels with the energy and transport industries, where predictive analytics have already reshaped operations.

The promise of connected infrastructure, however, brings new worries. As utilities rely more on networked sensors, questions about cybersecurity and data management are becoming harder to ignore. Yet experts argue that hesitation carries greater risk. “The danger lies in doing nothing,” one analyst warned, suggesting that failing to modernise could invite both environmental and regulatory strain.

Kallipr’s work with Barwon Water offers a glimpse of how edge intelligence can future-proof essential services in an age of climate uncertainty. As digital tools move from pilot projects to standard practice, Australia’s water utilities are learning that sustainability is not just about conserving resources, but managing them more intelligently.