Rigorous Risk Assessment of the Adoption of Smart Water Applications

Integration of technical processes into ICT (Information and Communication Technology) systems is continuing at full speed and is now impacting the water domain, a renowned long-term cycle industry. In many regions around the globe, water scarcity is already affecting the development of economies. This large-scale challenge combined with the availability of technology and strong cost reduction pressure for operating and maintaining water related processes and assets, result in a strong driver for adopting new technologies for improving overall system efficiency and sustainability. Investors, owners and operators of cost intensive water systems are challenged by high energy and maintenance costs, and not chargeable Non-Revenue Water. Data driven or Smart Water applications, such as pressure optimization, leak detection, optimized operation or pro-active asset management, are becoming increasingly interesting and economically relevant. However, new technologies with their potential benefits often lack a rigorous risk assessment, therefore resulting in a low market acceptance. In order to foster the adoption of latest software and communication related technologies, the paper will present a general risk assessment framework of the deployment of Smart Water technologies with a special focus on Interoperability, Process Efficiency and Availability, Security and Standardization. The paper will the cover assessing financial, economic and technical risks. This will be followed by a more technical consideration of whole system smart water solutions and key individual components. The points considered will be illustrated in the operation of water distribution networks.