A digital water strategy based on the digital water service concept to support asset management in a real system

Abstract

Digital transformation currently represents a clear opportunity for innovation in better management and planning of water distribution networks. Coupled with the increased investments in assets and the growing need of safe and high-quality water for the public, new opportunities are opening for digital tools that can help operators, consultant companies and researchers to support asset management tasks. This work presents the applications of a comprehensive digital water strategy on two real case studies with information provided by the Italian water company Acquedotto Pugliese. The proposed digital water strategy is based on the paradigm named digital water services. The strategy starts by improving the value of GIS and existing models' data. Then, advanced hydraulic modelling and topological analyses, using the complex network theory, along with artificial intelligence methodologies are the basis for the development of digital water services, which are the engineering apps that use the network digital twin to support the different stages of asset management, i.e., digital water strategy.