Verizon Launches Floodwater Sensors in Chicago

Today, in partnership with Hyfi and the Center for Neighborhood Technology, Verizon launches its floodwater sensors in the city of Chicago to provide city managers, emergency preparedness officials and affected communities with a groundbreaking level of information to mitigate the catastrophic impacts of flooding. The 50 high-tech, low cost sensors, which operate on Verizon’s 5G network, are distributed across flood-prone areas in Chicago, and are made possible by startup Hyfi.

Hyfi’s platform combines its wireless, solar-powered water level sensors and its web-based app to provide a real-time map of flood conditions in surrounding areas, informed by the sensors’ observations of the water level. Use of the app also minimizes or eliminates the need for stormwater professionals or emergency responders to manually calibrate the sensor in the field or in the midst of a major weather event. Eventually, the app will also be available to local residents to monitor data in their own neighborhoods.

This cutting-edge solution has led to Hyfi joining the Verizon Frontline Innovation Program as its newest partner. This program, launched in 2024, was instituted to further the design and development of response-ready solutions, like Hyfi's sensors, that help improve emergency response, preparedness, recovery or mitigation efforts in communities like Chicago.

Heavy rainfall and urban flooding are recurring issues in Chicago. The city has combined sewer systems, which can overflow during major rain events and lead to basement backups and street flooding. There is a pressing need for real-time monitoring solutions, which Verizon sought to address via Hyfi’s floodwater sensors and app.

Community input is a vital component of the project. Verizon has worked with local partners to provide flood-disaster response education and make residents aware of the real-time data that Hyfi sensors gather . In Chicago, the Center for Neighborhood Technology is facilitating community meetings in partnership with community-based organizations including The Greater Chatham Initiative on the South Side and Grassroots Empowerment Mission and North River Commission on the Northwest Side, with several more planned for this year.

Verizon rolled out the floodwater sensors in New Orleans last year, and they provided critical data during Hurricane Francine. In partnership with Hyfi, this is the first coordinated multi-city flood warning system of its kind and sensors will be deployed in additional cities over the next year.