In the heart of India’s Chhattisgarh state, researchers at the National Institute of Technology Raipur are making waves in the water management sector, offering a glimpse into a future where the Internet of Things (IoT) and advanced sensors could revolutionize how we monitor and manage our most precious resource: water. Led by Sajad Ali Ansari, a team of engineers has delved into the past two and a half decades of research, uncovering how IoT technologies are transforming water resources engineering (WRE).
The team’s comprehensive review, published in the journal *Discover Internet of Things* (translated from Russian as “Discover Internet of Things”), sheds light on the growing role of IoT in water management, from quality monitoring to smart irrigation and flood prediction. “With the ability to collect and monitor real-time data, IoT technologies are becoming essential for timely and informed decision-making,” Ansari explains. This shift towards data-driven water management could have significant implications for the energy sector, where water is a critical input for many processes, from cooling power plants to hydraulic fracturing.
The review highlights several key areas where IoT is making an impact. Water quality monitoring emerged as the most prominent application, with pH and turbidity sensors playing crucial roles. “pH sensors were used in 47% of the cases, turbidity sensors in 44%,” Ansari notes. These sensors, often combined with communication protocols like LoRaWAN, enable continuous monitoring of water quality, allowing for early detection of contaminants and proactive management of water resources.
Smart irrigation systems also featured prominently in the review, offering a promising avenue for improving water use efficiency in agriculture. By integrating IoT sensors with machine learning (ML) techniques, these systems can optimize water delivery based on real-time soil moisture data, reducing waste and enhancing crop yields. “ML techniques were used in 42% for predictive analysis,” Ansari points out, underscoring the growing synergy between IoT and AI in water management.
The review also explored the use of IoT in groundwater monitoring, wastewater management, and flood prediction. In each of these areas, IoT technologies are enabling more accurate, efficient, and sustainable approaches to water management, with potential benefits extending to the energy sector. For instance, improved water management could enhance the efficiency of hydropower generation, while better flood prediction could protect energy infrastructure from damage.
Looking ahead, the review identifies several challenges and future directions for IoT in water management. These include the need for standardized protocols, improved data security, and enhanced interoperability between different IoT systems. Addressing these challenges will be crucial for unlocking the full potential of IoT in water management and realizing its benefits for the energy sector.
As the world grapples with the impacts of climate change and growing water scarcity, the insights from this review offer a beacon of hope. By harnessing the power of IoT and advanced sensors, we can move towards a future where water is managed more sustainably, efficiently, and responsibly. And as Ansari and his team continue to push the boundaries of IoT in water management, they are paving the way for a more secure and sustainable water future for all.