Enhancing Network Performance Through Advanced Syphon Monitoring at Meole Brace Detectronic partnered with Severn Trent Water to deliver a data‑led approach to understanding and improving hydraulic performance at Meole Brace in Shrewsbury.With multiple interlinked syphon systems crossing the Rea Brook and several gravity sewers beneath a sensitive golf course environment, continuous monitoring was essential to evidencing flow recovery and reducing pollution risk. Our monitoring programme was designed to capture how the network behaved before and after hydraulic interventions, enabling Severn Trent Water to make informed operational decisions based on real‑world data. A Challenging Site Requiring Data‑Driven Insight The Meole Brace network had experienced more than 15 years of flooding and pollution history. Uneven surfaces and environmentally sensitive ground conditions meant access had to be carefully controlled, with temporary roadways and protective barriers used to avoid disrupting the course. While cleansing carried out by our sister company Oneline was needed to restore physical flow capacity, Detectronic’s role was to quantify system performance, assess improvements, and provide ongoing visibility of syphon behaviour through depth and flow monitoring. Our Monitoring Approach Detectronic installed downstream depth monitors at The Rocks syphon, collecting robust baseline and post‑cleanse datasets.This monitoring programme enabled us to capture: Depth trends in both dry‑weather and storm conditions Flow stability across the syphon Interaction between upstream CSOs and downstream receiving flows Early indicators of blockage formation or loss of hydraulic capacity By combining on‑site instrumentation with remote data analytics, we were able to verify the impact of operational interventions, model system responsiveness and assess long‑term resilience. Key Insights From Syphon Monitoring The data revealed clear and measurable improvements across the network: 1. Increased Baseline Flows Post‑cleanse data showed that the syphon was passing flow more efficiently, with higher baseline levels indicating restored hydraulic capacity. 2. Reduced Flow Volatility Monitoring identified a smoother, more stable flow pattern with fewer rapid fluctuations — a strong indicator of healthier syphon behaviour. 3. Improved CSO Performance EDM data upstream confirmed reduced spill risk during storm conditions, owed to improved pass‑forward flow into the system. 4. Immediate Recovery at Kemps Eye Monitoring demonstrated a distinct and rapid drop in upstream depths following cleansing activities, providing clear validation of system recovery. Together, these insights show how syphon monitoring delivers operational clarity, ensures regulatory compliance support, and helps prevent pollution events before they occur. Supporting Long‑Term Resilience Detectronic’s monitoring programme does not end with the initial recovery phase.With further works planned for Hazeldine Way syphon in Spring 2026, ongoing depth and flow tracking will: Inform predictive maintenance Support planning for future cleansing Reduce emergency responses Strengthen pollution prevention strategies This long‑term, data‑driven approach helps Severn Trent Water maintain confidence in network behaviour year‑round. Conclusion The Meole Brace project demonstrates how syphon monitoring plays a critical role in understanding, restoring and maintaining wastewater network performance. By providing clear, evidence‑based insights before and after hydraulic interventions, Detectronic supports water companies in making smarter operational decisions, improving environmental outcomes and delivering more resilient networks. Our collaboration with Oneline ensured that both operational activity and monitoring intelligence worked together, delivering measurable improvements across the Meole Brace system.
