This analytical report provides an overview of how Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) can be a strategic enabler for smart water management policies and surveys upcoming ICT standards that will enable smart water initiatives. It highlights that technologies such as satellite remote sensing in combination with semantic sensor web and geographical information systems can be used innovatively by water authorities to obtain information in real time about water use, to track and forecast the level of rivers and to identify new sources of fresh water. With the impact of climate change, sole reliance on historical hydrologic weather patterns is no longer a viable forecast for water authorities. Smart metering technologies can also provide individuals, businesses and water companies with information in near real-time about their own water use, thus raising awareness about usage, locating leakages and having better control over water demand.
Download file: ENG
Organization: ITU
Topics: Agriculture and Food, Economic and Development Planning, Water, Science, Adaptation, Mitigation, Technology, Risk Reduction/Management, Emergency Preparedness and Response, Policy Instruments, Capacity Development
Type of material: Analytical-Technical Document
Publication date: 2010
Language: English