Edgewater Boosts Storm Readiness with New Canal Monitoring System

Date: April 8, 2026

Prepared by: Courtney Sebastianelli, Public Information Officer

EDGEWATER, Fla. — The City of Edgewater has taken a major step toward strengthening its flood preparedness with the installation of five new canal monitoring devices designed to provide real-time data during storms and high tide events.

Installed in March, the devices use solar power and cellular connectivity to continuously transmit live data directly to the city engineer. The technology allows staff to closely monitor changing conditions across the city’s canal system as weather events unfold.

“These devices give us eyes on the system and lets us understand when conditions are at their worst, they help us identify where we have additional storage and where there maybe storage deficiencies” said Mathew Creel, Edgewater Chief City Engineer and Infrastructure Program Manager. “Instead of reacting after the fact, we can now see what’s happening in real time and make faster, more informed decisions to protect our neighborhoods.”

The sensors track a range of critical environmental factors, including canal water levels, flow rates, rainfall totals in inches, temperature, and battery status. This comprehensive data collection provides a clearer picture of how stormwater moves through the system, particularly during heavy rainfall and high tide conditions when gravity drainage can be impacted.

“Having accurate, real-time data allows us to fine-tune our stormwater modeling and better predict how the system will respond during major weather events,” said Joe Mahoney, Edgewater City Manager. “Having this data means we can deploy resources more efficiently and respond more quickly when flooding risks increase.”

Beyond immediate response capabilities, the data will also support long-term infrastructure planning. Public Works and Utilities will use the insights gathered to identify areas where improvements—such as gate valves or additional control structures—may be needed to better manage water flow and reduce flooding risks.

“This is about being proactive,” said Mahoney. “By understanding how tides and storms affect our canals, we can make informed investments that strengthen our system and improve flood protection for Edgewater.” The addition of solar-powered monitoring technology reflects the city’s ongoing commitment to resilience and innovation in stormwater management.”