Orihuela is embracing smart technology with a new environmental monitoring network that measures air quality and noise levels around the clock.
The council has installed three sensor stations at key locations across the municipality. They provide live environmental data and automatically alert officials if pollution exceeds European safety limits.
Smart technology built into streetlights
Instead of installing large monitoring stations, the council has fitted the
sensors inside existing streetlights.
Two sensors monitor Orihuela city centre from Glorieta Gabriel Miró and Avenida Teodomiro.
A third covers the coast, monitoring the area from Plaza del Oriol near the town hall to Calle Jade.
Eleven environmental indicators monitored
Each sensor continuously measures a wide range of environmental conditions.
The system tracks pollutants such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide and ground-level ozone. It also measures airborne particles, temperature, humidity, atmospheric pressure, wind speed and wind direction.
In addition, the sensors record ambient noise levels day and night using precision sound-monitoring equipment.
Instant alerts when pollution increases
The sensors send all readings in real time through a 4G network to the council’s central monitoring platform.
If pollution rises above European safety limits, the system automatically issues an alert. As a result, council staff can respond quickly if environmental conditions worsen.
Helping create a smarter, healthier Orihuela
The European Union’s Next Generation EU programme has funded the project as part of Orihuela’s wider Smart Tourism Destination strategy.
Tourism councillor Gonzalo Montoya said good air quality and lower noise levels help create a healthier and more enjoyable environment for both residents and visitors.
The project comes as concern about air pollution continues to grow across Spain. Recent studies suggest millions of people regularly experience pollution levels above the latest European recommendations.
