Water and Technology

Water is essential for life and healthy ecosystems. Though 70% of our planet is covered by water, water scarcity is a growing issue due to overpopulation and environmental challenges. Currently, nearly 20% of the world's population is affected by water scarcity. By 2025, it's expected that 1.8 billion people will live in areas with absolute water scarcity, and two-thirds of the world's population will face water stress. This has economic and environmental impacts globally.

Water Scarcity

Efficient water management and developing alternative sources of usable water are crucial. One of the UN's sustainable development goals is to ensure the availability and sustainable management of clean water for all. Digital technology can help achieve this by improving the accessibility, safety, and usability of water resources through smart water management systems.

Smart Water Management

Smart water management uses information and communication technologies (ICTs) to manage water resources sustainably. It provides real-time, automated data for resolving water challenges, helping in daily use, organizational planning, and policy-making across different regions and contexts.

Goals of Smart Water Management

• Reduce water waste in industries, agriculture, and power production.
• Improve water quality and prevent contamination.
• Enhance the efficiency of existing water systems like treatment plants and distribution mains.
• Create and improve water harvesting mechanisms.
• Implement leakage control.
• Monitor water consumption to optimize usage at various levels.

Digital Technologies for Smart Water Management

These goals can be achieved using technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), big data, artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, and augmented reality (AR).

• IoT-based Systems: Help monitor and optimize water use in irrigation and leakage management.
• Big Data and AI: Identify and analyze patterns of water use to help policymakers plan adaptive water systems.
• Apps: Facilitate communication between consumers and water service providers, providing alerts and usage information.
• Blockchain: Ensures secure and transparent water service transactions.
• AR: Improves monitoring of hydraulic infrastructure remotely.

Examples

• RainGrid Stormwater Smartgrids (Canada): Uses weather AI to capture and store rainwater for future use.
• IBM and Marine Institute (Ireland): Monitors pollution and environmental conditions in Galway Bay using sensors.

Barriers to Implementing Smart Water

1. Technological Challenges: Need for better smart water meters and sensors, especially in developing countries with technical and power issues.
2. High Costs: Installing and maintaining smart water systems is expensive, often requiring public-private partnerships.
3. Security Needs: Requires ongoing investment in cybersecurity to protect data and prevent information leaks.
4. Complexity of Adoption: Perceived complexity and risk can deter decision-makers from adopting smart systems.
5. Data Sharing and Integration: Standardization is needed to facilitate data sharing and ensure interoperability between various systems.

Water regulations and public policies, like those in California and the UK, can encourage the use of digital solutions to improve water management.