Gamified Approaches for Water Management Systems: An Overview

Water demand is growing worldwide, especially in densely populated areas, as a consequence of population growth [1] and urbanization [2]. The spatial concentration of water demand in urban areas is impacting demand magnitude, peak intensity, share between use sectors, and indoor and outdoor usage [3]. This, coupled with climate change and land use change, is intensifying the stress on finite water resources, creating both operational and environmental challenges to water supply. To cope with this evolving context, traditional supply and management schemes need to be adapted to meet future demand whilst preventing unsustainable resources exploitation. In this context, keeping into account geographical constraints and increasing marginal cost often limiting capacity expansion through infrastructural interventions [4], demand-side management strategies are key to complement supply-side interventions for securing reliable water supply as well as reducing shortages and overall utilities’ costs [5]. The potential of demand-side management interventions has been demonstrated in a number of works (see, for a review, [6] and references therein), especially in the last two decades, fostered by the promotion of several water saving programs worldwide, particularly in areas affected by prolonged droughts (e.g., California [7]) or low-recharge periods (e.g., Australia [5]).