ICT based Smart Management Solution to Realize Water and Energy Savings through Energy Efficiency Measures in Water Distribution Systems

The water companies should provide services at the affordable tariffs for all people, irrespective of the water source, geographical area, size or complexity of water supply system. In order to contribute to the sustainability of water distribution infrastructure, tariffs should cover, in practice, at least the operating and maintenance costs. To obtain a lower water tariff, the water-energy nexus should be take into account. Thus, developing the innovative technological solutions which to allow new water pricing options and policy actions based on energy efficiency measures and Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) to implement the EU water policy represent a new research direction. The paper proposes an innovative solution represented by a software platform for a sustainable management of water supply systems which to include the advanced ICT solutions (Blockchain and Artificial Intelligence) and smart concepts (smart metering, demand response) with benefits both energy and water fields. The platform could lead to realize significant energy and savings through technical measures and a smart management, supplying the consumers with quality water at an affordable tariff considering the socio-economic factors.