We recently completed a telemetry installation project at a Waikato quarry site to automate and improve water level management in a critical process pond. The pond plays a key role in the site’s sand filtration system, recirculating water for efficient operation. Previously, water levels were controlled by a manual float, which proved unreliable—it often got stuck against the pond wall or was accidentally damaged by diggers, and there was often a risk of flooding. Given the pond’s remote location, the system needed to be automated for more reliable and hands-free operation.
To fix this, we designed and built a custom bracket and frame to suspend a radar sensor over the pond. This radar keeps track of the water level and sends real-time data to a solar-powered control cabinet, which operates remotely over the cellular network. Using Halo telemetry equipment, the system automatically turns the bore pump on and off from half a kilometer away.
Now fully automated, the system detects when the pond is low and activates the bore pump to refill it. After heavy rain, if water levels rise too high and risk overflow, it switches on a secondary pump to drain excess water. The entire system is web-based, allowing for remote monitoring and control from anywhere, even via a mobile phone.
The whole project came together quickly, thanks to the teamwork involved. Our engineering team custom-built the brackets in the workshop, the electrician handled the wiring for the radar, solar, and control cabinet, and the transport team lifted everything into place.
Now, the site has a fully automated system that’s more reliable, efficient, and hands-off.
