A facility used to monitor water quality is seen in Changxing county, Huzhou, East China's Zhejiang province. [Photo/hz66.com]

Six spectral sensors used to monitor water quality of rivers were recently put into use in Hongqiao town, Huzhou's Changxing county, after 40 days of trial operations.

The sensor, the first of its kind in China, is able to collect data related to 12 water quality indicators, including chroma, turbidity, temperature, pH and dissolved oxygen, in real time. The data retrieved is then sent to water management authorities through the 5G network. 

Developed by a lab jointly established by Huzhou University and Zhejiang Jiayuan Intelligent Technology Co Ltd, the gadget boasts over 100 invention patents and is called the electronic version of the "river chief" as it can conduct river patrols.

The "river chief" system sees officials at each level of government take charge of the water sources in their area. The system, pioneered by Hongqiao town, has been promoted across the nation.

Presently, eight such electronic "river chiefs" have been put into use in Changxing county. More are expected to be installed in Zhejiang, cities around Taihu Lake and even northern China, in the near future.