36
3 Theory
3.3 Smart Water Use Systems
Systems, including Water Use Systems, are organised parts or schemes that need
two fundamental requirements. First, a scientific and objective theory or framework
that presents a comprehensive view of the relationships of all the (major) influencing
factors and their trade-offs. Second, reliable data in order to improve the knowledge
of those relationships already established. This means that smart data gathering must
follow the needs of the theory presented here. Although both of them evolve, in
general, the former changes little over time, and most of the latter starts with expert
estimates and stakeholder knowledge, both of which become more reliable in time
through learning. Besides these two foundational requirements, smart systems should
be adaptive and automatic, mostly using technology. Such systems are based on
sensing functionality, networking capability, controlling unit, and actuator. Examples
of technologies used in smart water systems are sensors to better balance water flows,
pollution monitoring and control, remote sensing, smart meters, high tech irrigation
systems, digital communication, etc.
“Since we cannot measure what we cannot adequately conceptualize, we have to
start with the concept first” (Fukuyama 2013). This is the purpose of this book by
presenting a theory that lead to proper measurements for an evolving understanding
of the performance of a water use system. In this context, proper technology and smart
systems are extremely helpful. However, the priority in using technology should go
into finding data that are more accurate for the three Pillars of water management in
this order: quantity (WPIs), quality (W qX ), benefit (W bX ). Of course, in real life most
of the things are not binary, so the idea is to go toward comprehensive data accuracy
with stakeholders (see Sect. 3.2), technology and water professionals. If this does
not happen water management is flawed, having in mind that lack of money should
not be the sole excuse as explained in this book.
References
Dalio R (2017) Principles: life & work. Simon & Schuster, sl
de Neufville R, Scholtes S (2011) Flexibility in engineering design. The MIT Press, Cambridge,
Massachusetts
European Commission (2003) WFD guidance documents (no. 8). [Online]. Available at: http://ec.eur
opa.eu/environment/water/water-framework/facts_figures/guidance_docs_en.htm. Accessed 29
May 2019
European Commission (2007) Addressing the challenge of water scarcity and droughts in the
European Union. Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament and the
Council, COM/2007/0414 final, Brussels
EuropeanCommission (2018) Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on
minimum requirements for water reuse. European Commission, Brussels
European Parliament & Council (2000) Water framework directive, Official Journal L 327, European
Union. [Online]. Available at: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/water/water-framework/index_
en.html. Accessed 20 Mar 2018
3 Theory
3.3 Smart Water Use Systems
Systems, including Water Use Systems, are organised parts or schemes that need
two fundamental requirements. First, a scientific and objective theory or framework
that presents a comprehensive view of the relationships of all the (major) influencing
factors and their trade-offs. Second, reliable data in order to improve the knowledge
of those relationships already established. This means that smart data gathering must
follow the needs of the theory presented here. Although both of them evolve, in
general, the former changes little over time, and most of the latter starts with expert
estimates and stakeholder knowledge, both of which become more reliable in time
through learning. Besides these two foundational requirements, smart systems should
be adaptive and automatic, mostly using technology. Such systems are based on
sensing functionality, networking capability, controlling unit, and actuator. Examples
of technologies used in smart water systems are sensors to better balance water flows,
pollution monitoring and control, remote sensing, smart meters, high tech irrigation
systems, digital communication, etc.
“Since we cannot measure what we cannot adequately conceptualize, we have to
start with the concept first” (Fukuyama 2013). This is the purpose of this book by
presenting a theory that lead to proper measurements for an evolving understanding
of the performance of a water use system. In this context, proper technology and smart
systems are extremely helpful. However, the priority in using technology should go
into finding data that are more accurate for the three Pillars of water management in
this order: quantity (WPIs), quality (W qX ), benefit (W bX ). Of course, in real life most
of the things are not binary, so the idea is to go toward comprehensive data accuracy
with stakeholders (see Sect. 3.2), technology and water professionals. If this does
not happen water management is flawed, having in mind that lack of money should
not be the sole excuse as explained in this book.
References
Dalio R (2017) Principles: life & work. Simon & Schuster, sl
de Neufville R, Scholtes S (2011) Flexibility in engineering design. The MIT Press, Cambridge,
Massachusetts
European Commission (2003) WFD guidance documents (no. 8). [Online]. Available at: http://ec.eur
opa.eu/environment/water/water-framework/facts_figures/guidance_docs_en.htm. Accessed 29
May 2019
European Commission (2007) Addressing the challenge of water scarcity and droughts in the
European Union. Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament and the
Council, COM/2007/0414 final, Brussels
EuropeanCommission (2018) Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on
minimum requirements for water reuse. European Commission, Brussels
European Parliament & Council (2000) Water framework directive, Official Journal L 327, European
Union. [Online]. Available at: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/water/water-framework/index_
en.html. Accessed 20 Mar 2018