WATER PEACE AT HOME WATER PEACE IN THE WORLD
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.
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).
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.
The case studies included in the report demonstrate the pivotal role smart technology can play in resolving numerous water challenges. These include:
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.
The Smart Water Management (SWM) report is a joint effort led by K-water (the Korea Water Resources Corporation) and the International Water Resources Association (IWRA), with contributions from over 40 organisations from around the world
For more information: www.iwra.org/swm-2