October 2018: The International Water Resources Association (IWRA) and the Korea Water Resources Corporation (K-Water) have published a set of case studies of Smart Water Management (SWM) from around the world, showing the potential for a variety of innovative approaches to achieve the SDGs.
SWM is defined as the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to provide real-time, automated data for use in resolving water challenges in integrated water resource management (IWRM). The 496-page report represents collaboration among more than 40 science-based organizations, including several universities, the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) in Australia, and the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT).
Smart Water Management benefits include reduction of wastage through water leaks, increased irrigation efficiency, and health improvements.
The report covers ten examples of existing SWM projects, and nine examples of forthcoming or potential projects. SWM infrastructure includes various kinds of sensors, monitors, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), satellite mapping and data sharing tools. Such approaches, the report argues, enable real-time solutions to be implemented and promote information sharing and collaboration. The case studies cover approaches as diverse as: water quality monitoring for drinking water in Paju, South Korea; groundwater monitoring and modeling to reduce over-abstraction in Guangtao County, China; and smart sensors for managing drinking and wastewater quality and leak detection in Mexico City, Mexico.
Besides providing environmental benefits in the improvement of water quality and protection of water-related ecosystems, the report highlights many social and economic benefits, such as reduction of wastage through water leaks, increased irrigation efficiency, health improvements, and trust building with local communities. A section of the report identifies the potential contribution of SWM to achieving SDG targets, including those associated with SDG 1 (no poverty), SDG 2 (zero hunger), SDG 3 (good health and well-being), SDG 4 (quality education), specifically with regard to vocational training, SDG 5 (gender equality), SDG 9 (industry, innovation and infrastructure), SDG 10 (reduced inequalities), SDG 11 (sustainable cities and communities), and SDG 12 (responsible consumption and production).
The report highlights the rapid development and uptake of SWM within a short time, and argues that the next phase of research should be aimed at capital investors, noting that “smart tools” currently on the market offer great opportunities for cities and regions to create integrated networks, linking, for example, SWM infrastructure with smart energy grids. [Publication: Smart Water Management Case Study Report] [Executive Summary of Report] [Report Web Page] [IWRA Website] [K-Water Website]