5G for water supply management and emergency response and recovery for Ilirska Bistrica smart municipality (5G WAT-ERR-IB)
Empowering smart communities with 5G infrastructure
ABOUT THE PROJECT
Description
The 5G WAT-ERR-IB project is transforming Ilirska Bistrica into a smart rural municipality by deploying advanced 5G and IoT technologies to improve water supply management and emergency response systems.
Due to its mountainous terrain, dispersed settlements, and large uninhabited areas, the municipality faces significant challenges in connectivity, infrastructure monitoring, and crisis management. The project addresses these challenges by introducing a private 5G standalone network combined with IoT sensors, edge computing, mobile base stations, and drone-based monitoring.
By enabling real-time data collection, reliable communication, and rapid response capabilities, the project enhances public services, strengthens community resilience, and sets a new European model for smart rural communities.
Beyond local impact, 5G WAT-ERR-IB demonstrates how innovative digital infrastructure can support sustainable development, environmental protection, and digital inclusion in rural areas across Europe.
Key facts and figures
- Location: Municipality of Ilirska Bistrica, Slovenia
- Duration: 26 months (2025–2027)
- Total budget: €4.9 million
- EU grant: €3.7 million
- Project partners: Vahta, Municipality of Ilirska Bistrica
- Network type: Private 5G Standalone (SA), hybrid with LoRaWAN
- Sectors: Water supply, emergency and safety services
- Expected beneficiaries: 13,500 residents and public service users
- Enabled 5G use cases: 2 (smart water management and emergency response)
TWO USE CASES – REAL WORLD IMPACT OF 5G
The project implements two key real-world use cases that demonstrate how 5G technology can directly improve public services, environmental sustainability, and citizen safety in rural environments.
By integrating smart infrastructure with advanced connectivity, the project moves from reactive to proactive management of critical services.
Use case 1: Smart water supply management
Description
The municipality’s water infrastructure is aging and inefficient, with some sections dating back to the mid-20th century. Water losses range from 6.9% to over 70% in certain parts of the network due to leaks, outdated pipes, and lack of real-time monitoring.
The project introduces a smart water management system based on IoT sensors deployed across a 200 km water network. These sensors continuously monitor water flow, pressure, and quality, enabling early detection of leaks, optimized distribution, and improved infrastructure maintenance.
Role of 5G
- Ultra-low latency communication for real-time monitoring
- Massive IoT connectivity for large-scale sensor deployment
- Edge computing for fast data processing and automated responses
Impact and benefits
- Reduction of water losses
- Improved reliability and quality of water supply
- Lower operational and energy costs
- Enhanced environmental sustainability through reduced water waste
- Better decision-making for municipal authorities
Use case 2: Emergency response and disaster management
Description
Ilirska Bistrica is characterized by forested and mountainous terrain, which complicates emergency interventions during wildfires, floods, and search-and-rescue missions. Many remote areas lack reliable mobile coverage, limiting coordination and situational awareness.
The project integrates mobile 5G base stations and 5G-connected drone to ensure connectivity and real-time monitoring in crisis situations. Mobile base stations can be deployed within three hours, while drones provide live HD and thermal imaging for emergency teams.
Role of 5G
- Real-time video streaming from drone to command centers
- High-speed connectivity in remote and disaster-affected areas
- Reliable communication for emergency services
Impact and benefits
- Faster response times and improved coordination
- Increased effectiveness of firefighting, flood response, and rescue operations
- Enhanced public safety and disaster resilience
- Better protection of people, property, and natural resources
THE TECHNOLOGY BEHIND IT
Key technological components
5G network
- Private 5G Standalone (SA) network
- Hybrid architecture combining fixed and mobile base stations
- 13 fixed and 3 mobile base stations
- Coverage of rural, mountainous, and uninhabited areas
Edge computing
- Real-time data processing close to sensors and devices
- AI-based anomaly detection
- Reduced latency and improved system responsiveness
LoRaWAN system
- Long-range, low-power connectivity for remote sensors
- Extended coverage in areas without stable electricity or 5G signal
- Integration with 5G backhaul and SCADA systems
5G-connected drone
- Aerial surveillance with HD and thermal cameras
- Real-time situational awareness in emergencies
- Possibility to carry portable 5G base stations
ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT
Sustainability
- Reduction of water waste through real-time monitoring and leak detection
- Optimized energy consumption in water infrastructure
- More efficient use of natural resources
- Lower environmental footprint of public services
Disaster preparedness and public safety
- Faster emergency response in remote and hard-to-reach areas
- Improved coordination among emergency services
- Enhanced situational awareness through drones and real-time data
- Increased resilience to wildfires, floods, and other natural disasters
Social and economic benefits
- Improved digital inclusion in rural areas
- Higher quality of public services
- Support for innovation and new digital services
- Increased attractiveness of the municipality for residents and businesses
PROJECT FUNDING AND PARTNERS
Funding
The 5G WAT-ERR-IB project is co-funded by the European Union under the programme.
Project partners
Vahta d.o.o. – Project coordinator
Vahta is responsible for the design, deployment, and operation of the private 5G network and associated digital infrastructure. The company brings expertise in telecommunications, smart infrastructure, and innovative digital solutions.
Municipality of Ilirska Bistrica – Beneficiary
The Municipality of Ilirska Bistrica represents the public sector and ensures that the project addresses real societal needs. It provides access to municipal infrastructure and integrates the project outcomes into public services and local development strategies.
NEWS AND UPDATES
GET IN TOUCH
If you would like to learn more about the 5G WAT-ERR-IB project, collaboration opportunities, or implementation of similar solutions, please contact us.
EMAIL: 5g-waterrib@vahta.eu
Project leaflet 5G WATT-ERR-IB.pdf
NEWS AND NOTICES
Published: 24.9.2025
VAHTA d.o.o. is publishing a Request for Final Offers (RFFO) for Supply of devices and equipment and deployment of a 5G network in the Municipality of Ilirska Bistrica as part of the 5G WAT-ERR-IB project – a smart municipality initiative in Ilirska Bistrica focused on water supply management and emergency response.
Interested suppliers are invited to review the RFFO documentation and submit their responses in line with the provided timeline.
RFFO- za projekt 5G WAT-ERR-IBB.zip
RFFI for 5G WAT-ERR-IB project Published: 14.7.2025
VAHTA d.o.o. is publishing a Request for Information (RFI) for a Private 5G RAN Solution as part of the 5G WAT-ERR-IB project – a smart municipality initiative in Ilirska Bistrica focused on water supply management and emergency response.
Interested suppliers are invited to review the RFI documentation and submit their responses in line with the provided timeline. All received information will be treated confidentially and used exclusively for the RFI and subsequent RFQ process.
RFI_5G WAT-ERR-IB_PRIVATE 5G RAN_20250714.zip
5G_NR_Coverage_by_Transmitter_RB.gpkg
RAN_5G_Pokritosti_IB_V3_PREDANO.pdf
