Resources abound for understanding intelligent water systems

Intelligent water systems (IWS) are built to link together sensors, control systems, information management, and communications systems. They emphasize the water sector’s opportunity to take advantage of advanced technologies and dramatically shift management decision making. While there are varying ideas of what an IWS may be, there’s not one singular definition. Some see the concept as a small piece to help in analyze and process data both historical and real-time data; others see this integration as an opportunity to overhaul their entire decision making or performance management approach. How far each utility or facility chooses to take the IWS concept will vary, but many water sector organizations have produced resources to help guide these choices. This article explores some of those resources.