An overview of smart water networks

There are numerous incentives for water utilities to adopt smart water networks, which provide utilities a comprehensive framework for optimizing operations maintenance. Each utility has its own distribution system, unique business drivers, and challenges. The threats of water scarcity, aging infrastructure, increasingly stringent regulations, and rising production costs are driving utilities to consider smart water solutions. According to the United Nations, global water use has been growing at more than twice the rate of population growth in the past century. One dominant business driver for water utilities is aging infrastructure, which is especially prevalent in western-hemisphere countries. A significant portion of the drinking water infrastructure in the United States is nearing the end of its useful life and is now prone to leaks and bursts resulting in degraded water service, economic loss, and increased disruptions.