Demonstration of real-time monitoring in smart graded-water supply grid: an institutional case study

Abstract Real-time information on water supply and quality is a crucial asset for planning and managing water resources, infrastructure, and scientific research for sustainable development. In this direction, the innovative concept of smart water infrastructure is progressing. The present paper reports a case study on the demonstration of a `smart graded-water supply grid' on the campus of the Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur, India. The paper describes the transformation of ∼13 km long water distribution network that supplies drinking water to ∼5,000 inhabitants into smart supply grid by deploying sensors and establishing an IoT-enabled real-time monitoring platform. The data sets of water flow and pressure collected from sensor nodes are analyzed to understand the characteristic diurnal water usage profiles unique to student hostels on the campus. The data show a distinctive consumption profile of student hostels over the weekdays with a maximum peak consumption of 16.38 m3/h. Monitoring of vital quality parameters such as chlorine, pH, and temperature demonstrate acceptable levels thereby ensuring compliance with safety standards. The purpose of the paper is to provide insights from a real-world case and close the knowledge gap between general awareness and the potential of smart water grid in sustainable management of graded-water services.