IMOS - Integrated Multi-Objective System for optimal management of urban drainage

The impact of drainage water effluents on bodies of water into which they flow is a key environmental problem. It is detrimental for the health of the ecosystem and, especially in highly urban areas, is strictly related to water management. The problem in Genoa becomes critical because of sewer overflows and waste water treatment plant effluent discharges combined in a closed body of water. The project used real time multi-sensors, modelling activities and upgrades to infrastructure, to put in place an integrated management of the drainage system in the urban environment of Genoa. The implemented IMOS system is designed to prevent floods and optimise the functioning of water treatment plants. The system consists of: a multi-sensor survey system; an underground tank, which can be connected to the drainage network, by a remote command , many software models, hydraulic control structures and an integration system. The project was highly innovative regarding the integration of the system for this kind of application. The innovation consists of monitoring and simulating in real time the rain fields together with the drainage situation both regarding flows and pollution status and, consequently, allowing decisions to be taken about underground temporary storage and about separation of the water depending on its pollution status. This innovative system is able to increase the return time (or reduce the frequency) of floods and to optimise the management of the depuration plants.