The Challenge of the Digitalization of the Water Sector

Abstract

The digitalization of the water sector is of utmost importance for improving the efficiency and sustainability of the managed systems. The digitalization process, however, can be seen as a ladder with several steps that the water utility must climb to become a smart utility. The reality is that many water utilities worldwide have not realized yet the benefits of digital transformation and, thus, the digitalization of the water sector lags behind other industries. This chapter presents the major challenges and the promising future that water utilities face in the journey of digitalization. Guidelines on how to choose the most adequate digital solution are also presented, as well as the trends for a smarter water utility.