Hassan Aboelnga
This article was originally published on Smart Water Magazine here.
The United Nations held its first Water Conference in 50 years, this March in New York City. The conference highlighted the growing concern and the need to tackle the global water crisis and ensure a future with adequate access to water and sanitation for all. More than 700 pledges were made with the aim of promoting transformation towards a water-secure world. The challenges and opportunities to achieve this goal are immense. However, the digital transition of the water sector can play a key role in accelerating progress towards the sustainable development goal no. 6 on safely managed water and sanitation.
The water sector is facing many challenges: aging infrastructure, the impact of climate change, environmental degradation, the growing demand for water, and outdated water management solutions and strategies. Digital technologies such as sensors, data analytics, and artificial intelligence/machine learning can help chart an alternative path for the water sector, addressing some of these challenges and enabling a shift from relying solely on the increased supply to the balance between supply and demand sides of water resource management. Digital transformation can help water utilities and municipalities better understand water supply and demand patterns, identify inefficiencies and opportunities for optimization of water usage, reduce water losses, embrace water reuse and circular economy principles at every scale, and develop more effective water management strategies. These technologies can also help provide real-time monitoring of water quality, enabling rapid response to water quality issues and emergencies, and tracking when and where water is needed and which quality.
The digital transition of the water sector can play a key role in accelerating progress towards the sustainable development goal no. 6 on safely managed water and sanitation
The water sector faces challenges in realizing digitization, especially the gap in capacity building and stakeholder engagement. Upgrading outdated water systems to digital technology requires significant investment in sensors, monitoring equipment, and other tools to detect leaks and improve water efficiency. Additionally, building technical expertise and engaging policymakers and regulators are important to support the adoption of digital solutions in the water sector. Overcoming these challenges is crucial to achieving a water-secure future and ensuring public health.
To accelerate change and achieve SDG 6, we need to embrace digital transformation and innovative technologies. We need to invest in infrastructure that can support the deployment of these technologies, and we need to build capacity and develop the necessary skills to manage and use digital tools effectively. Additionally, we need to ensure that the benefits of digital transformation are accessible to all, including marginalized communities.
The need for open and collaborative water management
Water management is both hinder and a lever in achieving water security. Current water management strategies can perpetuate system inefficiencies and impede change. With the increasing demand for clean and safe water, it is essential to develop innovative solutions that can help manage water resources more effectively under current climatic and social realities. One of the most promising strategies to disrupt the water sector’s management model is the use of digital water solutions. These solutions can make the invisible visible, enabling water utilities and municipalities to manage water supply, water demand and distribution systems more efficiently. However, to achieve the full potential of these solutions, open and collaborative water utility management is essential. A great example can be drawn from Qatium.
Open and collaborative water utility management refers to the practice of sharing information, resources, and knowledge between different water utilities and stakeholders. By working together, water utilities can pool resources and expertise to develop more effective and efficient water management tools and strategies. For example, utilities can partner in implementing sensing networks throughout their watershed, and manage their reservoirs and groundwater basins collaboratively while meeting environmental needs.
Challenges and the Way Forward
Digital transformation presents both opportunities and challenges for open and transparent water management. By carefully navigating these challenges and embracing new technologies, water utilities can harness the benefits of digital transformation to improve their operations and service delivery, while building trust and transparency with stakeholders.
Digital transformation can provide an opportunity for open and transparent water management in several ways. Firstly, it enables real-time monitoring and data analytics of water usage, which can help utilities identify leaks, prevent wastage, and manage water resources more efficiently. This can lead to cost savings and better resource management, as well as improved service delivery to customers.
Digital transformation can provide an opportunity for open and transparent water management in several ways
Furthermore, digital platforms can enable increased transparency and accountability in water management, allowing stakeholders to access and analyze data and make informed decisions. This can lead to greater trust in the water sector and improved engagement between utilities and communities.
However, there are also several challenges associated with digital transformation in water management. Legacy systems can hinder the integration of newer technology, and cybersecurity threats must be carefully managed to protect sensitive data and infrastructure. Additionally, organizational culture may need to change to fully embrace digital transformation, and regulations and compliance requirements may pose obstacles to the implementation of new technologies.
To pave the way for the digital transformation of the water sector, DIGITAL could be a roadmap:
Define goals and objectives
Clearly define the goals and objectives of the digital transformation initiative, including the specific benefits that will be achieved through the adoption of new technology. This will help to ensure that all stakeholders are aligned and that the initiative stays on track.
Identify key performance indicators (KPIs)
Identify the KPIs that will be used to measure the success of the digital transformation initiative, such as water usage, cost savings, distribution system efficiency, and customer engagement and satisfaction. This will provide a clear framework for evaluating the impact of the initiative and making necessary adjustments.
Gather and analyze data
Gather and analyze data on water use patterns, water generation and distribution at various scales and locations, infrastructure efficacy and performance, and other key metrics using digital platforms and tools. This will provide insights into areas where improvements can be made and help to identify opportunities for cost savings and efficiency gains.
Integration
Digital technologies can facilitate both across sectors and within-sector integration in many ways. They can connect water, wastewater, and stormwater management systems seamlessly to achieve efficient resource management and reduce costs. They can also enable coordination across the water and energy management systems to harness possible efficiency gains through demand management, alternative operational strategies and generation timing and process.
Train staff
Provide training and support to staff to ensure that they have the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively use the new technology solutions. This will help to ensure that the digital transformation initiative is successful and sustainable over the long term.
Align with regulations
Ensure that the digital transformation initiative is aligned with regulatory requirements and compliance standards, such as emerging data privacy and cybersecurity regulations. This will help to mitigate risks and ensure that the initiative is sustainable and legally compliant.
Leverage partnerships
Leverage partnerships with other organizations, such as technology providers, academia, and industry associations, to share best practices, knowledge, and expertise. This will help to accelerate the digital transformation process and ensure that the water sector remains at the forefront of technological innovation.
Overall, by following the DIGITAL roadmap, water utilities can successfully pave the way for digital transformation and realize the benefits of improved efficiency, cost savings, and greater transparency and accountability in water management.
#QatiumExperts
Qatium is co-created with experts and thought leaders from the water industry. We create content to help utilities of all sizes to face current & future challenges.
This is a joint piece between Hassan Aboelnga, Newsha Ajami, and Dragan Savic — all Qatium advisors.
