A meters-high milk cooling tank at the University of Twente does not store milk, but water. The tank, which has been in operation since 2023, is intended to lend a hand during heavy rainfall.
The rain barrel has a capacity of 35,000 liters and serves as a "buffer" for the sewer system in Enschede and the surrounding area. "Once in a while you have to deal with heavy rainfall, which leads to a lot of water on the streets because the sewer system cannot handle the water," said Richard Bults, creator of the smart rain barrel. The idea is to put together a network of smart rain barrels to create a buffer capacity in Enschede and surrounding municipalities.
However, the smart rain barrel does more than just collect water. Based on the weather forecast, this rain barrel can empty itself, so as not to overload the sewer system. The water can also be refreshed, and the stored water can be used to water surrounding vegetation and sports fields.
