Mendel University's Botanical Garden in Brno Rolls Out Smart Water Management System

The Botanical Garden and Arboretum of Mendel University in Brno (MENDELU) has introduced a new digital water management system. According to the university, electronic control units linked to sensors have been installed at key points across the grounds, continuously monitoring water consumption, pressure, reservoir levels and other important parameters.

The system also allows pumps and valves to be operated remotely and automatically, with all data flowing into a single digital control centre that provides a complete picture of how the infrastructure is functioning.

Saving water and protecting the orchids

"We've long been looking for ways to manage water more responsibly and efficiently. The new system lets us respond faster to potential problems and prepare further steps for expanding the use of alternative water sources. It's also an investment that supports our commitment to building a modern, sustainable university," said Petr Kupec, MENDELU's Vice-Rector for Strategy, Sustainability and Core Activities.

The technology automatically manages the refilling of storage tanks across different parts of the grounds, prioritising rainwater over water drawn from the municipal supply. The system also allows precise control over the use of drinking, rain and demineralised water — particularly important for maintaining the garden's unique orchid collection. Another advantage is its ability to detect faults and hidden leaks promptly.

Beyond its practical benefits, the new system also has educational and research value: the digital control centre gives garden staff, researchers and students access to both current and historical data. In this way, the botanical garden is becoming a "living laboratory" where the workings of a modern water management system can be observed under real conditions.

"For the botanical garden and arboretum, water is one of our key resources. Thanks to the new system, we now have a much clearer understanding of how water is being used across the grounds, and we can manage irrigation and the wider infrastructure more efficiently. The data we collect will also help us as we continue developing the site and caring for our valuable plant collections," said Michal Pavlík, director of MENDELU's Botanical Garden and Arboretum.

Looking ahead

The project doesn't end here. Future phases envisage broader use of rainwater, and the university is also considering drilling its own well as an additional water source. The technological platform is designed to be expanded further, with the potential to track other environmental parameters such as soil and air humidity, temperature or sunlight intensity.

If this data is eventually combined with water consumption figures and weather readings, it could pave the way for a digital twin of MENDELU's Botanical Garden and Arboretum.

"This completed phase is an important milestone, but not the end goal. Our aim is to build a modern, sustainable water management system that supports not just the garden's day-to-day operations, but also serves as a unique platform for teaching and research. It should give students and scientists access to real data and the chance to test innovative solutions in sustainable water use," Kupec added.

The Botanical Garden and Arboretum is a teaching and research department of Mendel University in Brno. Spanning almost 11 hectares next to the university campus, it houses an extensive collection of trees, shrubs, flowers and other plants, including one of Europe's largest collections of tropical orchids. The garden serves both research and teaching purposes, while also functioning as a recreational spot for university staff and city residents alike.

Read also: Brno: what to see and where to go

Around Prague, based on reporting by ekolist.cz