partnerships as an approach to foster the smart water systems agenda in the context
of developing countries, the practical implications (of the major insights arising from
the study) for effective design and execution of innovation partnerships for smart
water systems in developing countries, as well as recommendations for future
research and for VIA Water.
2 ICTs and Water Management in Developing Countries
Fresh and adequate water resources are crucial for achieving sustainable development. However, water systems around the world are expected to be stressed by
societal challenges such as climate change and its effects (e.g. flooding and
droughts), rapid human population growth and urbanisation [16, 17]. These phenomena will have negative effects on the quality and quantity of water resources, the
capacity of water infrastructure and the cost of water services, therefore threatening
water security, particularly in developing countries [2, 3]. Water security problems
in developing countries are further exacerbated by current inefficient and
unsustainable water management practices, as evidenced by high water loss rates
(in terms of non-revenue water [NRW])
1 observed in most water service providers
and situations of over-exploitation of water resources which cause physical water
scarcity in many countries.
Ineffective management of water systems stems also from the unreliability of
conventional approaches, due to the increasing complexity of water problems. For
example, extreme weather variability due to climate change has rendered reliance on
historical hydrologic weather patterns for predicting future variables impracticable;
traditional water data and information gathering and transmission mechanisms are
no longer (cost) effective; and with increasing concerns about good governance in
the water sector around the world – particularly in developing countries – traditional
top-down management approaches are no longer preferred. Thus, efficient water
management is more needed today than ever, and there is growing consensus on the
need to rethink the overall management of water resources.
Over the past decades, the potential of ICTs to improve water management in
developing countries has been demonstrated, notably through implementation of the
smart water systems concept. Smart water systems use ICT applications at all levels
of the water cycle to maximise efficiency of water management, thus promoting
water security. Table 1 displays the main areas of water management where ICTs
can bring about improvements in developing countries, with examples of ICT
applications that are relevant for the water sector and associated benefits.
1 NRW from water distribution systems worldwide is estimated at 48 billion cubic meters per year of
which 55% occurs in developing countries [18]. An important proportion of NRW (physical losses)
is generally attributed to the ageing and subsequent deterioration of water infrastructure, because of
poor operation and maintenance activities as well as slow the replacement process.
170
S. Mvulirwenande and U. Wehn
of developing countries, the practical implications (of the major insights arising from
the study) for effective design and execution of innovation partnerships for smart
water systems in developing countries, as well as recommendations for future
research and for VIA Water.
2 ICTs and Water Management in Developing Countries
Fresh and adequate water resources are crucial for achieving sustainable development. However, water systems around the world are expected to be stressed by
societal challenges such as climate change and its effects (e.g. flooding and
droughts), rapid human population growth and urbanisation [16, 17]. These phenomena will have negative effects on the quality and quantity of water resources, the
capacity of water infrastructure and the cost of water services, therefore threatening
water security, particularly in developing countries [2, 3]. Water security problems
in developing countries are further exacerbated by current inefficient and
unsustainable water management practices, as evidenced by high water loss rates
(in terms of non-revenue water [NRW])
1 observed in most water service providers
and situations of over-exploitation of water resources which cause physical water
scarcity in many countries.
Ineffective management of water systems stems also from the unreliability of
conventional approaches, due to the increasing complexity of water problems. For
example, extreme weather variability due to climate change has rendered reliance on
historical hydrologic weather patterns for predicting future variables impracticable;
traditional water data and information gathering and transmission mechanisms are
no longer (cost) effective; and with increasing concerns about good governance in
the water sector around the world – particularly in developing countries – traditional
top-down management approaches are no longer preferred. Thus, efficient water
management is more needed today than ever, and there is growing consensus on the
need to rethink the overall management of water resources.
Over the past decades, the potential of ICTs to improve water management in
developing countries has been demonstrated, notably through implementation of the
smart water systems concept. Smart water systems use ICT applications at all levels
of the water cycle to maximise efficiency of water management, thus promoting
water security. Table 1 displays the main areas of water management where ICTs
can bring about improvements in developing countries, with examples of ICT
applications that are relevant for the water sector and associated benefits.
1 NRW from water distribution systems worldwide is estimated at 48 billion cubic meters per year of
which 55% occurs in developing countries [18]. An important proportion of NRW (physical losses)
is generally attributed to the ageing and subsequent deterioration of water infrastructure, because of
poor operation and maintenance activities as well as slow the replacement process.
170
S. Mvulirwenande and U. Wehn