In the Valley of the Sun, access to water isn’t just a convenience; it’s a matter of public safety. As temperatures in Phoenix continue to break records, the City is turning to innovative technology to ensure its "Chilled Drinking Water Initiative" makes a real impact where it’s needed most.
The City of Phoenix Office of Innovation recently deployed a network of chilled drinking fountains across key public spaces. But these aren’t your average water fountains. Thanks to a partnership with NOWi Sensors, these stations are "smart" infrastructure designed to stay operational, efficient, and ready for anyone needing relief from the heat.
Smart Water, Smarter Data The video below highlights how the City of Phoenix Innovation team utilized NOWi sensors to upgrade their chilled water stations. By attaching these non-intrusive sensors to the fountains, the city can now track critical real-time data, including:
- Usage Rates: Identifying which locations are busiest and when.
- Flow Monitoring: Ensuring water is actually dispensing when a user presses the button.
- Leak Detection: Spotting maintenance issues instantly to prevent water waste and downtime.
Why It Matters For city planners, this data is gold. It allows the city to make evidence-based decisions on where to install future fountains and ensures that existing units are functioning correctly during heatwaves. Instead of waiting for a resident to report a broken fountain, the data can alert maintenance teams proactively.
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