Smart and connected stormwater systems - Science Nation

The video discusses Ann Arbor's stormwater challenges and introduces innovative smart systems developed by Branko Kerkez and his team at the University of Michigan. These systems use wireless sensors and data analysis to optimize stormwater management, prevent flooding, and improve water quality. The ultimate goal is to create autonomous systems that enhance decision-making and reduce costs, similar to self-driving cars.

What is the main challenge faced by Ann Arbor regarding stormwater management?

• Insufficient rainfall to test systems

• Too many ponds in the area

• Lack of funding for new infrastructure

• Aging stormwater systems and limited space

How do the smart stormwater systems improve existing infrastructure?

• By reducing the number of buildings in the area

• By using autonomous technologies to enhance performance

• By expanding the size of detention ponds

• By replacing old systems with new ones

What role do wireless sensors play in the smart stormwater systems?

• They monitor and report data on water levels and flow rates

• They control the weather conditions

• They provide power to the system

• They clean the water in the ponds

What additional benefit do smart stormwater systems offer besides flood prevention?

• They increase the water temperature

• They improve water quality by removing pollutants

• They create new ponds

• They reduce the number of storms

What is the ultimate goal of developing smart stormwater systems, according to Kerkez?

• To make the systems dependent on human decisions

• To build a system that operates like a self-driving car

• To eliminate human involvement completely

• To increase the cost of stormwater management