Smart Water Systems: Advances in Monitoring, Modeling, and Management of Water Resources in China

Abstract

Smart water systems are a revolutionary way of utilizing water resources, based on the use of modern technologies (sensors, data analysis, machine learning, and real-time monitoring). Such systems are becoming part and parcel of water management practices in China in order to deal with the fact that the country is facing water scarcity, problems of pollution, and even an unpredictable climate. This article examines the design and deployment of smart waters in China and how monitoring, modeling, and decision-making technologies have been integrated into water management systems in different sectors of water management, such as river basins, urban utilities, agriculture, and groundwater management. We consider how decision support systems (DSS) can be used to improve water allocation, infrastructure management processes, and resilience to floods and droughts. The article, however, also notes that there are various challenges to scaling these systems, such as the lack of technological interoperability, data management concerns, cybersecurity risks, and financial limitations. Moreover, institutional fragmentation and social refusal to accept also complicate the popularisation of smart water technologies. The article wraps up by underscoring the fact that more investment needs to be made in data standards, cross-agency coordination, and capacity building to eliminate these obstacles and to make smart water systems a success in the long term. The activities of China in this respect are a worthy example to other countries that are trying to deal with the challenge of water management, like China.