Throughout history, humanity has faced the challenge of managing our precious water resources, and the benefits of smart water management have become increasingly evident. Despite covering 71% of our planet, only 3% of Earth’s water is fresh and consumable. As the global population grows and the climate crisis worsens, nearly two-thirds of people face severe water scarcity annually.

Thanks to modern technology, we now have innovative ways to maximize our water use. The advent of smart water management systems signals a new age of efficiency and sustainability in handling our water supply.

Smart water management involves leveraging technology, such as sensors and automated tools, to enhance the performance and sustainability of water systems.

The idea of smart water management took root in the early 2000s, with an initial emphasis on embedding sensors in water infrastructures to monitor variables like reservoir water levels. Today, advancements in the Internet of Things (IoT) and machine learning have significantly evolved smart water management tools.

As a response to the climate crisis, smart water management is becoming increasingly recognized. The surge in interest and necessity for smart water solutions has spurred numerous innovations in this field. A growing number of water service providers are adopting these smart technologies to help conserve water for their customers.

Smart water management significantly reduces urban water wastage. The United Nations warns “If current usage trends don’t change, the world will have only 60 percent of the water it needs in 2030.” Additionally, “By 2050, 1 in 5 developing countries will face water shortages,” according to the U.N.’s Food and Agriculture Organization.

While IoT alone won’t solve global water scarcity, it’s crucial for improving water collection, treatment, distribution, and recycling systems to ensure clean water for future generations.

A fascinating fact from the Washington State Department of Health states, “The average person unknowingly wastes up to 30 gallons of water every day.” IoT applications can monitor real-time water usage in homes, alert residents about waste, and suggest better management practices. Governments could also impose higher charges on excessive water use. IoT systems can enhance water use monitoring across residential, business, agricultural, and industrial sectors. However, education is key to effectively managing this precious resource.

 Embracing smart water solutions tackles numerous issues inherent in or caused by conventional water management practices. Let’s look at the benefits of smart water management systems.

1. Boosting System Efficiency

Water networks face numerous challenges that can hinder their performance. Smart water technologies keep a vigilant eye on these systems, allowing for swift action against any disruptions to supply and quality. With machine learning, these systems can foresee or quickly identify issues, averting unexpected shutdowns and costly repairs.

For instance, underground pipe leaks can lead to significant water loss. Smart solutions detect leaks early and facilitate prompt repairs, reducing waste and enhancing long-term cost-efficiency.

2. Cost Optimization

The Internet of Things (IoT) allows utilities to cut operational expenses over time. Automation, data-driven strategies, diligent maintenance, and optimal resource utilization all contribute to considerable cost savings. Moreover, smart water management systems are adept at detecting leaks — a common issue for utilities due to aging infrastructure or poor upkeep — allowing engineers to be alerted instantly to network vulnerabilities or threats and act swiftly.

3. Elevating Public Health Standards

oxidation-reduction potential. Then, machine learning algorithms promptly notify operators of any alterations that might impact drinking water quality, allowing for quick interventions to maintain health standards.

4. Deeper Insights Through Data

Smart water technology provides comprehensive data analysis capabilities. Data on water levels, blockages, leaks, flow rates, pressure, temperature, and usage patterns provide insights into water utilization methods. This data not only reveals trends but also helps spot anomalies, pinpointing areas of inefficient or ineffective water use.

5. Smart Irrigation

Smart water management can prevent unnecessary water wastage in agriculture. Often, farmers overlook factors like weather conditions and soil moisture when irrigating, leading to overwatering. IoT technology empowers farmers to make more informed irrigation decisions by considering these variables, which can save vast amounts of water that might otherwise go to waste.

Banyan Water is grateful for the continued trust of its customers in managing water usage and reducing unnecessary utility expenses, a responsibility that has become increasingly vital.

The importance of smart water management — a principle that Banyan Water adopted in 2011 to curtail outdoor water use — has become even more evident in these challenging times. Banyan Water has become a trailblazer in water management, leading the industry with its innovative platform that measures and manages water across various commercial properties and portfolios.

Banyan Water’s Total Water Management solutions maintain water efficiency without compromising safety. This is a crucial time to highlight the features offered through Irrigation Insight® and Indoor Insight® that will support ongoing water operations.

This proactive approach to water management aligns with Banyan Water’s commitment to service and efficiency and contributes significantly to environmental conservation.

1. Cost Savings:

Through real-time insights and proactive leak detection, Banyan Water’s technology can reduce water costs by 40-60%. For instance, their clients, such as HIT REIT, have achieved a 72% reduction in water expenses, saving millions of gallons of water.

2. Leak Detection and Prevention:

Banyan Water’s real-time irrigation leak detection capabilities help prevent water wastage and avoid unexpected high-water bills. For example, in 2020 alone, Banyan detected over 400 leaks across its client properties. Their solutions also include auto leak shutoff to prevent further water loss.

3. Enhanced Operational Efficiency

Smart water management systems streamline water usage and improve operational efficiency. Banyan Water’s Indoor Insight and Cooling Insight track and control water use, saving water and enhancing system efficiency, demonstrating the benefits of water management software.

4. Environmental Impact

Banyan Water has saved over 3.7 billion gallons of water since its inception, supporting sustainability goals and reducing ecological footprints. Hewlett-Packard, for instance, saved over 14 million gallons annually with Banyan’s solutions.

5. Increased Property Value

Effective water management reduces operating costs and improves sustainability, enhancing property value. LivCor increased its net asset value by over $100 million and saved 1.2 billion gallons of water, aligning with ESG objectives and showcasing the importance of water cost savings.

Banyan Water crafts intelligent systems to provide immediate insights and proactive oversight. By partnering with Banyan Water, individuals and organizations can join a movement that champions the responsible use of water. Reach out to Banyan Water now and contribute to the wave of change in water conservation efforts.

Since launching in 2011, Banyan Water has led the way in revolutionizing the commercial real estate industry. Their advanced cloud-based software platform and dedicated team of experts have enabled clients to conserve over 5.4 billion gallons of water, enhancing asset value significantly. Their dedication to sustainability and exceptional customer service sets them apart, establishing them as the preferred partner for clients from various industries. Opting for Banyan Water means joining a trailblazing initiative committed to making a substantial, positive difference on Earth.

For further details or to discuss water protection for your property, please visit www.banyanwater.com, email [email protected], or call 800-276-1507. Schedule a demo today to discover the solutions that Banyan Water offers.