KHON KAEN – Khon Kaen University (KKU) has presented a new smart water management system to provincial authorities, aiming to integrate advanced technology with urban planning to mitigate flood risks and enhance city resilience.
On March 17, 2026, representatives from KKU’s Faculty of Engineering and the Academic Service Bureau met with the Khon Kaen Provincial Office of Public Works and Town & Country Planning to demonstrate “WaterWayWatch,” an intelligent monitoring system for rainfall and canal water levels.
The KKU delegation, led by Prof. Dr. Wanida Kanark, Associate Dean for Research, Innovation, and International Affairs, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Supasit Konyai, Deputy Director of the Academic Service Bureau, presented the project to Mr. Kampol Sika, the Provincial Public Works and Town & Country Planning official, and his team. The meeting focused on how the system functions and its potential application in local urban planning and emergency response.
Proactive Water Management Innovation
Developed by the Faculty of Engineering in collaboration with the Smart City Operation Center (SCOPC), WaterWayWatch is part of a strategic infrastructure initiative supported by the Thailand Science Research and Innovation (TSRI). The system is designed to handle national emergency situations through scientific research and innovation.
The core strength of WaterWayWatch lies in its real-time monitoring and alert capabilities. The system utilizes:
IoT Technology: A 4G IoT Box controller connects to waterproof ultrasonic sensors for water levels and rain gauge sensors.
Sustainable Power: It operates 24/7 using solar panels and backup batteries.
Cloud Processing: Data is sent to a central processing unit and displayed on a monitoring dashboard accessible via PC and mobile apps.
“Sri-alert” System: When water levels reach critical points, the system automatically sends warnings to the public via Line, Telegram, and other channels. It also features an Automatic Floodgate Control function to expedite drainage immediately.
Enhancing Public Safety and Urban Planning
This presentation marks a significant step in bridging academic research with practical government application. The Provincial Office of Public Works and Town & Country Planning intends to use the statistical data generated by WaterWayWatch to improve urban planning and flood solutions for Khon Kaen City and surrounding areas, such as Ban Ped Municipality.
Aligning with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The WaterWayWatch project underscores KKU’s mission as a leading global research university dedicated to creating positive social and environmental impacts. It directly supports several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals:
SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities): By integrating smart monitoring with urban planning, the system enhances the city’s resilience against water-related disasters.
SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation): Intelligent data processing allows for more efficient management of urban water resources and drainage systems.
SDG 13 (Climate Action): The system provides precise, early warnings that help communities adapt to the increasing frequency of floods caused by climate change.
SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure): The project represents a significant upgrade to public infrastructure through the integration of AI, Cloud computing, and IoT sensors.
SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals): The collaboration between KKU, the provincial government, and national research bodies exemplifies a successful partnership for sustainable development.
The deployment of WaterWayWatch serves as tangible evidence of Khon Kaen University’s commitment to using technology to solve local problems while contributing to global sustainability targets.
