The HydroGrid as a Framework for Interconnected Water Systems: Emerging Technologies

Abstract

This paper introduces the concept of the HydroGrid as a framework to describe connected water systems. We draw upon the knowledge and engineering experience employed in electrical grid operations to outline mirroring concepts in the HydroGrid, with a particular focus on monitoring, analysis, and control. The electrical grid is well monitored in real time. Monitoring data are used for dynamic analysis, and based on analytical projections, the grid is controlled to reduce the chance of cascading failures. We discuss analogous developments for the HydroGrid, using the example of microbial surface water contamination for illustration. Emerging technologies in advanced materials, signal transduction and wireless communications enable development of autonomous mobile devices for dynamic microbial water quality monitoring. As this technology matures, the devices will have the capability to stream real-time or near-real-time data for analysis with stochastic models of contaminant fate and transport. Modeling results, combined with controllability analysis of water systems, can then be used to determine system-wide prevention and mitigation strategies. Progress is measured with probability-based metrics of HydroGrid sustainability such as reliability, vulnerability, and resilience. We highlight challenges in data requirements and processing, and finally, we broadly discuss interdependent functions of the HydroGrid such as human and animal health services, food safety, and aquatic ecosystems health.