An urban flood detection pilot launched in Chicago in August 2025. This pilot uses sensors built by engineers at Hyfi, with 50 sensors deployed around Chicago.

The technology:

• You can find the sensors on the public right of way on one of three areas: roads (35/50), over rives (6/50), and inside manholes (9/50)
• Simply put, the sensors detect the level of depth beneath it, at either ground or water level. Thus, the sensors can detect urban flooding. Specifically, this hardware can detect over 30ft of depth below it with a 4ft wide diameter.
• The sensors over roads and rivers are solar powered, with light devoid manhole locations necessitating battery-powered sensors

The neighborhoods:

• Sensors are as southeast as Hegewisch and as north as Rogers Park. Many are in the city’s west and south side community areas like Austin and Chatham.
• Locations were determined by a mix of partners and interests including Center for Neighborhood Technology, National Weather Service, Chicago Transit Authority and the following City of Chicago Departments—the Office of Emergency Management & Communication, Department of Streets & Sanitation, and the Department of Water Management.

CNT’s role:

• In 2025, CNT hosted 4 resident engagements with our community partners Grassroots Empowerment Mission (in Belmont Cragin), Greater Chatham Initiative (in Chatham), and North River Commission (in Albany Park). The purpose of these engagements was to help determine where to locate the sensors (i.e. community-informed sensor locations), hear what residents need out of flood disaster preparedness, and to offer preparedness tips.
• In 2026, CNT plans to host 6 resident engagements with last year’s partners and introducing new partners to the mix. We are prioritizing how to ensure this pilot is most meaningful to the infrastructure and quality of life improvements residents in Chicago needs. We are also planning to use these engagements to teach data literacy on the sensor information.

Other important details:

• The project is funded by Verizon Wireless, who is currently financing the pilot at no cost to Chicago
• This pilot will go until the end of 2026. After, the City of Chicago will decide if it wants to invest $75,000 to continue the pilot

On top of CNT’s engagements, we plan to analyze the sensor data with other data sources like Chicago’s 311 flood data to uncover patterns or to illuminate gaps.