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Smarter practices with IoT are enabling better management and conservation of the vulnerable but precious water resource.
FREMONT, CA: As the world marches on with rapid developments in technologies, water management is all set to get better. The Internet of Things (IoT) is one of the most effective technologies and has found applications in several sectors. The technology, when applied to water management infrastructure enables more efficient and sustainable usage of the highly valued resource. Rapid urbanization and wastage have led to a scarcity of water throughout the planet. IoT can prove to be instrumental in conserving and promoting the resource. Here are a few ways in which IoT can aid the intelligent management of the resource.
• Better Waste Water Management
Wastewater treatment facilities can benefit hugely by incorporating IoT in its infrastructure. By installing smart and connected sensors at various points, operators can collect critical data that gives comprehensive visibility. The data on water quality, temperatures, pressures, and chemicals present are crucial as they provide sufficient insights. Hence, physical objects and conditions are rendered digital, and this allows engineers to have a higher degree of intelligence and controls.
• Intelligent Water Conservation
With the help of smart sensors, the level of water present in reservoirs or overhead water tanks can be accessed. The data from these connected sensors when sent to servers provide insights into the amount of water used and the amount of water remaining daily. The information can help users reflect on usage and allow careful planning, thereby preventing wastage.
• Smarter Irrigation
The process of irrigation accounts for a lot of inefficiency and wastage in water usage. Farmers and cultivator end up irrigating lands even when the amount of water retained in the soil is sufficient for plants. Using IoT, smart sensors placed in the soil can determine water content and convey the need for irrigation accordingly. Sensors that can analyze the weather conditions can also be helpful in how much water needs to be used for irrigation on a particular day.
• Efficient Water Supply Systems
Keeping a tab on how much water is being used by a particular household in an urban area can be complicated. However, IoT has all the features that can help in keeping detailed records of water consumption. A city can make its water supply system better through the usage of data collected from IoT devices. Authorities can analyze the records to arrive at plans that will ensure effective utilization of the resource and uniform distribution among dwellers.
• Water Quality Testing
Water quality testing can benefit a lot form the application of IoT. Monitoring and capturing crucial data regarding the quality of water becomes simpler and quicker with smart sensors. Many industries have to regulate the quality of water that they use. Similarly, the quality of water supplied to end-users also has to satisfy standard quality tests. Crucial pointers like dissolved solids, chemicals present, and bacteria present can be determined and relayed accurately in real-time by using IoT.
These applications of IoT in the domain of water management are beneficial as they promote conservation of water. Stakeholders are deploying the technology to reap better benefits.
