Smart water management is the future, says new report

Gabriel Eckstein

President, International Water Resources Association

Case studies in a new report on Smart Water Management demonstrate the role smart technology can play in resolving water challenges across the globe.

Smart Water Management (SWM) is a system providing actionable data that can be used globally.

It uses Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to provide real-time, automated data for use in resolving water challenges through integrated water resources management.

SWM aims to make services more efficient, water management more reliable, decision-making more inclusive, and knowledge-sharing and collaboration more effective, by introducing real-time data and automation.

Increasing use of SWM by governments globally

SWM is an area of increasing interest as governments across the world start to integrate smart principles into their urban, regional and national strategies.

ICT provides real-time, automated data for use in resolving water challenges.

A new report by K-water (the Korea Water Resources Corporation) and the International Water Resources Association (IWRA) looks at ten SWM projects and nine upcoming projects, all based in developing and emerging regions, which use innovative, smart technologies and solutions to address a wide range of water challenges across a number of scales (from household to transboundary).

Outcomes of the SWM report

The new report outlines the potential for SWM implementation in a range of contexts, locations and scales, as well as water challenges facing both developing and developed countries.

Secondly, the report provides analysis of case studies to illustrate the various enablers, barriers and lessons learned in each project during SWM implementation and operation.

It also provides policy recommendations to support future SWM implementation.

Smart technology can play a pivotal role in tackling global challenges

The case studies included in the report demonstrate the pivotal role smart technology can play in resolving numerous water challenges. These include:

• Water access and quality
• Efficient irrigation
• Reduced demand
• Flood and drought management
• Planning and inclusive governance
• Data management

The case studies also show the potential for SWM projects to aid in the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by improving livelihoods and economic and gender equity, reducing hunger, broadening access to knowledge and education, enhancing health and wellbeing, adapting to climate change and improving safety. SWM is an area of increasing interest as governments across the world start to integrate smart principles into their urban, regional and national strategies.