FEATURE
Harry Istepanian
IoT, AI CAN WADE IN TO ADDRESS GCC REGION’S WATER SCARCITY ISSUES
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nnovative technologies and smart systems will provide an answer to addressing water demand in the GCC region countries, says Harry Istepanian, an Independent Power and Water Consultant based in Washington DC, United States,. Istepanian highlights the great potential for such innovations, adding that the applications will greatly vary to include more effective use of rainwater harvesting and management of stormwater retention, as well as using GIS-based tools to help municipalities monitor the water reticulation system, to conserve and reuse water by reclaiming and reusing wastewater from public hospitals, schools and universities in steam and chiller plants, thereby reducing costs. Such IoT and AI applications are vitally important to the concept of a ‘smart city’, Istepanian says. They are becoming more of
24
September 2020
Innovative technologies and smart systems have strong potential for reframing existing systems and addressing key challenges associated with water use, especially in the Middle East, where scarcity is an issue
By Hannah Jo Uy | Assistant Editor
a reality in view of the rapid development of 5G networks, he adds. “Applications, such as ‘smart water system’ for monitoring the condition of pipelines, water quantity and quality, and smart water meter reading are among many IoT applications,” he says. “The water quality in the water distribution system is a serious factor that affects public health, and smart water system provides a userfriendly interface to monitor the water quality in houses and take remedial measurements, if necessary.” Providing an example, Istepanian discusses how Swedish multinational networking and telecommunications company, Ericsson and SwedishFinnish multinational telephone company, Telia are collaborating with the City of Stockholm on developing real-time water quality monitoring, using a system of IoT sensors