Melbourne Water Trials AI Drones for Water Quality Protection

Melbourne Water is conducting a two-month trial of autonomous drones at Silvan Reservoir, a key protected catchment supplying approximately 65% of the city’s drinking water. These AI-equipped drones are outfitted with advanced sensors and high-resolution cameras, including night vision capabilities, enabling them to detect and differentiate between humans, animals, and vehicles. The collected data is streamed in real-time to a security monitoring center and onsite security teams, enhancing surveillance and biodiversity protection efforts.

The drones are programmed to monitor both the water and surrounding forest areas within the protected catchment, identifying unauthorized activities and potential risks posed by humans and animals. This technological approach supplements existing surveillance measures, such as CCTV cameras and onsite security personnel, providing a more comprehensive monitoring system.

While specific details about the drone vendors involved in this trial have not been publicly disclosed, Melbourne Water has a history of collaborating with various suppliers for its technological initiatives.