Efficient water supply system in the context of smart cities

Abstract

In spite of demographic growth, urbanization and climate change, and with changing requirements, there is a need to develop efficient water supply systems. Whereas, the cost of water supply schemes is very high and beyond the means of most urban local bodies / state governments. The Sustainable Development Goal calls for challenges to new practices, to enhance water security and provide better services to citizens as a precursor to realizing the vision of 'smart cities'. The total water demand is already more than the supply for about 760 lakh people in India. Also the demand for adequate drinking water supply is increasing year by year, while the economy of this place is growing fastest in the world. The important question is how to accomplish these objectives? However there is no doubt that technical solution are available and play a fundamental role. The smart city approach to solving the water problems of cities is a simple way to solve the water issue with a national design, vision and civic engagement. Cities can improve their infrastructure on a large scale by trust and participation of common people along with effectiveness and capacity addition of water supply system. This article will discuss the current status of water resources and future forecasts and measures for solutions. It will conclude by highlighting the importance of an analytical framework to identify and analyze the challenges and responses to water supply system operations, along with a discussion of the key factors affecting urban water supply system.