Drone Water Sampling: Nixie's Solution for Cities

Water Quality Monitoring Revolutionized by Drone Technology

For utility companies and municipal safety authorities, the consistent assessment of waterways and reservoirs represents an ongoing obligation. Traditionally, this task has necessitated the use of boats or, at a minimum, protective waders. Nixie presents an innovative alternative, utilizing drone technology to execute this process with increased speed, reduced costs, and a significantly drier experience.

Established Methods and Their Limitations

The prevailing techniques for evaluating water quality have remained largely unchanged for an extended period. This is attributable, in part, to their proven effectiveness and simplicity. However, the fundamental challenge remains: no software solution or online platform can physically retrieve a water sample from a river's center.

Introducing Nixie: A Drone-Based Solution

The emergence of drones possessing the power and reliability required for professional and industrial applications has altered this landscape. Nixie, developed by the drone specialists at Reign Maker, offers a solution through either a custom-designed sample collection arm or an integrated in-situ sensor arm.

The Sample Collection Process

The sample collector comprises a lengthy vertical arm equipped with a secure cage to hold a sample container. An empty container is placed within the cage, and the drone is flown to the designated sampling location. The arm is then submerged to collect the sample.

Upon return, the filled container can be exchanged for a fresh one while the drone remains in a stable hover, enabling continuous sampling at multiple points. The company reports that this exchange can be performed safely in wind conditions up to 18 MPH and currents reaching 5 knots.

Image Credits: Reign Maker

Efficiency and Cost Savings

This methodology facilitates rapid sampling across numerous locations. A single drone battery provides approximately 20 minutes of flight time, sufficient for collecting between two and four samples, contingent on weather conditions and distance. Battery swaps and relocation to the next site allow for uninterrupted operation.

Reign Maker contrasted Nixie’s performance with that of New York’s water authority, which currently gathers 30 samples daily using conventional methods – boats and related resources – at an estimated cost of $100 per sample, inclusive of labor and fuel. Using Nixie, operators were able to collect an average of 120 samples per day, reducing the cost to approximately $10 per sample. While New York may represent a higher-cost operating environment, the cost differences are substantial. (The dipper attachment is priced at $850 and does not include the drone itself.)

Operational Considerations

It’s important to note that the drone is piloted remotely with a direct line of sight, adhering to regulatory requirements. However, a team of just two individuals, equipped with spare batteries, can effectively cover an area that would traditionally require a boat crew and significant fuel consumption. The system is currently compatible with the DJI M600 and M300 RTK drones.

Image Credits: Reign Maker

Advantages of Drone-Based Sampling

Employing drones for water sampling offers additional benefits, including precise GPS coordinates for each sample and minimal disturbance to the water during collection. Traditional sampling methods, even when executed carefully, inevitably disrupt the water, potentially altering the sample's composition. A hovering drone avoids this issue.

Future Developments: In-Situ Sensors

Currently in development is an enhanced sampler incorporating a suite of sensors capable of performing on-site testing for key parameters such as temperature, pH levels, the presence of microorganisms, and various chemical compounds. Eliminating the need to transport samples to a laboratory for analysis would further streamline the process.

Current Deployments and Future Prospects

Reign Maker is presently collaborating with New York’s Department of Environmental Protection and engaging in discussions with other agencies. While implementation requires initial investment, training, and adaptation, the potential for faster and more economical testing is compelling.

The company’s long-term vision includes a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) model, providing real-time water quality maps updated with new testing data. This feature remains in the planning stages, but its viability increases with the acquisition of initial customers.