On Smart Water System Developments: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Water is an essential resource for life and is also a necessary resource for the sustainable economic competitiveness of any country. In recent decades, climate change, economic development, and rising population have led to water scarcity in certain regions. In response, new technologies and water management techniques have been researched and developed, which are now incorporated into the concept of smart cities. These innovations, called smart water systems, aim to enhance water management by monitoring consumption, quality, reservoir levels, leaks, and asset conditions, and optimizing water processes to maximize water system resilience. The first systems were based on smart meters and have advanced to so-called digital twins for water systems. This review aims to present a comprehensive review of smart water system developments, the geographic distribution of the works, their technological readiness level, and their implementation challenges.