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Smart CCTV systems trained to spot blockages in urban waterways could become an important future tool in flood prevention, new research published Oct. 3 in the Journal of Flood Risk Management has found.

Researchers at the University of Bath have shown that their AI-enabled detection software, "AI on The River" trained to accurately detect natural debris, litter or waste blocking trash screens mounted in culverts, can be integrated into existing CCTV systems to provide an early warning of likely flooding.

Culverts, which number more than 1 million in the U.K. and are in almost every city, town or built-up area, allow streams and rivers to flow under roads, railway embankments and housing developments, meaning they are an important but hidden part of waterways and infrastructure. Trash screens, usually a set of bars, are mounted at culvert entrances to stop debris from passing through.

When a culvert trash screen is blocked, flooding can happen quickly. If the flow of water into a culvert is restricted, it can build up and pool, leading to risks to the structural integrity of the waterway and the local environment.

Helping flood defenses worldwide

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