It’s called the blue planet for a reason. Around 70 per cent of Earth is comprised of water. Using it smartly is highly important. In fact, it’s vital for the planet – and, of course, those who inhabit it. But why?
Essentially, it enables Earth to sustain and support plants, animals and humans. However, climate change is threatening its sanitation and availability.
Pollution can affect freshwater areas – like ponds and lakes – as well as ground water. Additionally, fertiliser chemicals often leak into nearby aqua sources, making water unsuitable for consumption or irrigation.
Although this is happening across the world, luckily, Smart Water Management could provide a solution.
Here, we explore how.
What Is It?
Through Smart Water Management (SWM), companies can always monitor aqua systems.
Previously, water infrastructures – such as dams – could only be controlled by hand. If a problem emerged, it had to be dealt with manually. And this often meant that it couldn’t be rectified immediately.
But with SWM, water companies can pinpoint the likelihood of issues like contamination before they occur. And so, they stand to reduce a key effect of climate change.
Even better, they can guarantee clean, consumable water for customers.
How Does It Work?
SWM consists of three main factors: equipment, networks and responses. Collectively, they make remote water management straightforward and effective. Necessary devices span pumps, treatment tech and sensors.
Notably, the latter is designed to self-optimise – meaning that it’s able to enhance its performance autonomously. With this specific tool, water companies won’t just benefit the environment – they could save money on repairs and maintenance, too.
Networks gather data from various equipment. This information is then analysed by water companies to identify scope for improvement – from pollution evasion to water retention. Following on from this, firms typically merge the real-time data found from tools with algorithms.
That way, they can improve how they manage the water system in question. Advantages include maintenance forecasts, sewage prevention and the prevention of chemical infiltration.
Companies that implement it can provide better water facilities – for both the planet and its people.
Who Can Implement It?
Any company or body that owns a water source can implement SWM. However, large water enterprises and governments may benefit most from the initiative.
This is primarily down to their size and influence. The more water sources that they govern, the more they stand to gain from SWM – with regards to both financial and environmental rewards.
Already, industry giants have teamed up with tech specialists to create smarter water systems. Malaysia’s biggest water distribution network is just one example. Assisted by experts, it has succeeded in securing better asset management
Now, it provides a sustainable and clean water source to two million clients. Thanks to SWM, the Malay government is nearing its target of delivering hygienic, treated water to 99% of its population by 2020.
An organisation that installs SWM could enhance its services and heighten its reputation. Most importantly, it may minimise the damage of climate change to water.
Clean, unpolluted water is paramount – for everyone. Fortunately, water companies have begun to act. Through SWM, they are able to guarantee drinkable water for scores of people and hopefully for generations to come for future generations.