How the University of Lethbridge Prevented Flooding with LoRaWAN® Technology

Leaks are a common problem in campus housing, leading to property damage, high water bills, and safety risks. After the University of Lethbridge suffered significant damage caused by multiple instances of flooding in the years prior to 2022, they collaborated with KB Innovations to find and implement a reliable solution.

The project team decided on a LoRaWAN®-based leak detection system for its cost-effectiveness, scalability, and low maintenance requirements. To support the deployment, TEKTELIC was chosen as the supplier of reliable IoT products. Installing over 600 Leak Detection Sensors in four residence buildings has helped prevent flooding, reduce costs, and establish an IoT infrastructure ready to support even more smart applications in the future.

In this article, we’ll explore how this solution was implemented and the impressive results it delivered.

The Challenge

The University of Lethbridge faced recurring flooding in their University Hall Residence, causing significant property damage and operational challenges. These incidents, which occurred multiple times before 2022, not only disrupted campus life but also resulted in costly repairs and increased insurance claims.

Without a system in place to detect leaks early, the University’s maintenance team relied on manual inspections, which were time-consuming and inefficient. This approach left them vulnerable to undetected leaks that could escalate into major issues.

To address these challenges, the University sought a reliable, cost-effective solution that would prevent future flooding, protect its facilities, and optimize maintenance workflows. KB Innovations, a trusted IoT solutions provider, partnered with the University to identify and implement a system tailored to their needs.

The Solution

To address the recurring flooding challenges, a LoRaWAN®-based leak detection system was implemented at the University Hall Residence. The system combined TEKTELIC’s reliable IoT products and KB Innovations’ expertise in monitoring and deployment.

Key Components of the Solution

• LoRaWAN® Infrastructure:
  A robust network was established using TEKTELIC’s KONA Macro and KONA Micro Gateways, providing seamless connectivity across the campus.
• Smart COMFORT Leak Detection Sensors:
  Over 600 water detection probes were installed to provide real-time monitoring of potential leaks.

Why LoRaWAN®?

The LoRaWAN® technology was chosen for its unmatched combination of long-range capabilities, cost efficiency, and low power consumption. Unlike cellular solutions, LoRaWAN® operates on unlicensed frequency bands, eliminating recurring fees and ensuring affordable scalability. And, unlike WiFi, its low power requirements mean devices can function on battery power for extended periods, significantly reducing maintenance needs.

Deployment Timeline

An installation of 140 sensors began in August 2022 and was completed before students returned for the Fall semester.  Additional sensors were added during the following two summers to give the University complete coverage of their residence units.  The project ensured that all sensors were fully operational and integrated into a custom-built monitoring platform.

Monitoring Platform

KB Innovations developed a user-friendly mobile app and backend dashboard to support the system. This platform enables maintenance staff to:

• Monitor leaks in real time with sms and email notifications
• Access historical data for analysis.
• Manage users and optimize workflows.

This end-to-end solution ensured early leak detection, minimized downtime, and provided the foundation for a scalable IoT infrastructure on campus.

Conclusion

The deployment of over 150 TEKTELIC COMFORT Leak Detection Sensors at the University Hall Residence delivered significant benefits, including:

• Early Leak Detection: Prevented three major flooding incidents during the 2022-2023 school year.
• Cost Savings: Reduced water damage costs and potentially lowered insurance premiums.
• Operational Efficiency: Enabled maintenance staff to monitor leaks in real-time and reduced the need for manual inspections.
• Scalability: Established an IoT infrastructure capable of supporting additional smart applications, including air quality monitoring and occupancy management.
• Insurance Savings: Fewer water-related incidents may make the University eligible for reduced insurance premiums.

Building on this success, the University of Lethbridge expanded the project. In April 2023, they signed a contract with KB Innovations to deploy up to 1,000 additional COMFORT Leak Detection sensors across several residence buildings.

The expansion, which commenced in May 2023, increased the scope of the project tenfold, further reinforcing the University’s commitment to leveraging IoT technology for smarter, more efficient campus management.