Review of smart water management: IoT and AI in water and wastewater treatment

Abstract

Integrating the Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in smart water management revolutionizes sustainable water resource utilization. This comprehensive review explores these technologies' benefits, challenges, regulatory implications, and future trends. Smart water management enhances operational efficiency, predictive maintenance, and resource conservation while addressing data security and infrastructure investment challenges. Regulatory frameworks play a pivotal role in shaping the responsible deployment of AI and IoT, ensuring data privacy and ethical use. Future trends include advanced sensors, decentralized systems, quantum computing, and blockchain for enhanced water data security. The alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) underscores the transformative potential of smart water management in achieving universal access to clean water, climate resilience, and inclusive, sustainable development. As we embrace these technologies, collaboration, public awareness, and ethical considerations will guide the evolution of intelligent and equitable water management systems.