Smart water management systems, IOT solutions for sustainable cities

In this article smart water management system, smart water management in smart cities, smart water metering systems are discussed.

Table of Contents

Introduction

A Smart Water Management System refers to an integrated and technologically advanced approach to monitor, control and optimize the usage and distribution of water resources. These systems leverage various IoT technologies such as sensors, data analytics, communication networks and automation to efficiently manage water supply, detect leaks, and improve overall water conservation.

Figure 1: Smart water management system (Image source:development.asia )

Components

The components of smart water management systems are

Sensor

Flow Sensor
Pressure Sensor
Water Quality Sensor
Leak Detection Sensors

Communication Infrastructure

IoT (Internet of Things)
Communication Networks

Data Management and Analytic

Data Storage
Analytics Software
Cloud Computing

Control Systems

SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition)
Automation Systems

Remote Monitoring and Control

Remote Terminal Units (RTUs)
Human-Machine Interface (HMI)

Population growth and its impact on water demand

The water shortage affects nearly 27% of the world’s population. The increasing demand for water in urban areas is due to population growth, economic expansion, shifts in lifestyle and the process of urbanization. Rising population levels exerts pressure on domestic water supply encompassing needs for drinking, sanitation, and personal hygiene. Currently agriculture a substantial water consumer faces heightened demands for irrigation to meet the expanding requirements of a growing global population. Further the urbanization spurred by population growth as people migrate from rural areas to urban centers intensifies the necessity for enhanced water infrastructure in these urban environments.

Role of smart water management systems (SWMS)

In water conservation SWMS enable real-time monitoring of water distribution systems helping to identify and address leaks promptly. By continuously monitoring and analyzing data SWMS optimize water distribution networks ensuring that water is delivered efficiently to meet demand. Smart control systems can adjust flow rates and pressure reducing water losses and energy consumption. Continuous monitoring of water quality using SWMS ensures that water meets regulatory standards. Rapid detection of contaminants allows for timely intervention preventing waterborne diseases and safeguarding public health. In Optimized Resource Allocation SWMS assist in the efficient allocation of resources including energy and chemicals used in water treatment processes. Optimization contributes to cost savings, environmental sustainability and reduced carbon footprint.

Smart water management in smart cities

A smart city is an urban area where sensor-based Internet of Things is used to aid in management of resources and civil life. The sensors are used to collect data from various sources. The integration of Internet of Things (IoT) in water management is a key component of building smart cities that are sustainable.

Sensors and transmitters used

The microcontroller, sensors and transmitters used are

Arduino UNO
SRF-05 sensor (ultrasonic sensor)
YF-S201 Hall effect sensor (Water flow sensor)
LM393 chip-based sensor (Rain sensor)
ESP-8266 Wi-Fi transmitter
Stepper motor.

Distribution of water

The water distribution is also fully monitored and controlled with the help of sensors and fully connected valve systems. Water starts its journey from a reservoir, goes through a treatment plant, and then enters an underwater storage area. From there, it is sent to different blocks in a specific way. Everything, from when the valves open to how much water is sent, is overseen and controlled by a server and a data control center. The underwater storage facility makes sure each block gets the right amount of water by sending it to separate distribution tanks.

Figure 2: Smart water distribution in Smart cities (Image source:researchgate )

Case Study: A Smart Water Metering System In Cary, NC

The Town of Cary, NC is located in the Research Triangle region of North Carolina with a population of over 160,000 citizens, making it the third largest municipality in the region behind Raleigh and Durham. The implementation and lifecycle of the Aquastar smart water metering system is the study. This system consists of multiple parts and affects both the municipal functions as well as the citizens’ interaction with water utilities. The physical infrastructure of the Aquastar system is made up of the water pipes that move water throughout the municipality the smart meters at each household within the system the radio towers that receive transmissions from the smart meters and the information technology hardware that stores the collected data.

Figure 5: Regional Collector In Cary, NC (Image Source:carync)

Benefits of IOT in smart water management

Smart irrigation: AI algorithms calculates the ideal irrigation scheme based on this data and help farmers keep their crops at the ultimate health.

Transparency: Transparency is on all the processes in the water supply chain.

Immediate response: Ability to identify or even predict issues and respond immediately to minimize damage.

Sustainability: Sustainability goals are at the center of many retrofit and innovation projects in the smart water industry.

Emerging trends and innovations in water management

Digital Water Management

Digital water management is the strategic implementation of digital technologies and data-driven solutions to elevate the effectiveness, sustainability and resilience of processes and systems related to water. This approach uses variety of digital tools, sensors, communication networks and analytics to optimize water management.

Wastewater processing

Wastewater processing, also known as wastewater treatment or sewage treatment is the process of removing contaminants and pollutants from water collected from various sources such as domestic, industrial, and agricultural activities. The goal is to produce treated water that can be safely discharged into the environment or reused and to reduce the environmental impact of wastewater discharges.

Advanced Filtration

Advanced filtration refers to sophisticated techniques and technologies employed to achieve highly efficient removal of impurities, particles, and contaminants from fluid typically air or water. This process is crucial in various industries including water treatment, air purification, pharmaceuticals and manufacturing.

Water-saving technology

Water-saving technology is an advancement which involves innovations and practices designed to reduce water consumption in various sectors like agriculture, industry and households. These sensors can be placed in various parts of a water distribution system to detect leaks in real time. Alerts are sent to maintenance personnel for prompt intervention.

Challenges in implementing smart water management systems

The upfront costs of installing sensors, IoT devices, data analytics platforms and other components of SWMS can be substantial.
Integrating new SWMS with legacy systems can be complex and require careful planning to ensure seamless operation.
There may be a shortage of skilled professionals capable of managing and troubleshooting these integrated deployment and maintenance systems.
Regular maintenance is necessary to ensure that all components function properly, and issues are promptly addressed.
Regulatory frameworks may not be well-equipped to address the challenges and opportunities presented by SWMS.
Transparent, communication and public education are crucial to gaining public support and addressing concerns.