In 2017, the US experienced a historic year of weather and climate disasters. According to NOAA, the nation was impacted by 16 different billion-dollar disasters, including a drought, two floods, one freeze event, eight severe storms, three tropical cyclones, and one wildfire. In total, these events resulted in the deaths of 362 people.
They also had widespread economic effects. In fact, the cumulative cost of these disasters exceeds $300 billion, representing a new annual record for the US, according to NOAA’s calculations, well above the previous record cost of $214.8 billion, set in 2005 by the impacts of Hurricanes Dennis, Katrina, Rita, and Wilma.
Our community in Santa Barbara County, CA, was impacted in December by the Thomas Fire and, more recently, by the Montecito Mudslides. The effects of these disasters have made each of us pause and reevaluate what we consider primary—loved ones and essential things like water, food, and electricity. It has also inspired us to reconsider elemental plans and processes such as doing business without communications infrastructure, evacuation routes, emergency supplies, and backup power.
And as with any disaster, there are lessons that emerge from the aftermath as well as discussion on using climate data to predict such events. In essence, the question on many of our minds today is: How can we best use the sea of data available to us, to save water and lives?
Data analytics and informed decision-making has resonance industry-wide. In this issue of Water Efficiency, we share a collection of stories that explore data utilization. We focus our attention on technologies and systems that produce, capture, and organize information. And we reflect on how organizations can make more informed decisions using predictive analytics.
As water utilities generate and capture more data from sensors, pumps, pipelines, and SCADA systems, finding constructive ways to utilize it becomes increasingly important. In the following pages, we look closely at ways to connect the data points to reveal meaningful insights.
In “Updated Efficiency”, we explore solutions that enhance traditional SCADA systems and find that many of the contemporary methods are in the form of software as a service (SaaS). These products integrate and analyze massive quantities of data coming from sensors and equipment to provide informed decision-making, while also facilitating compliance and reporting procedures.
In “Put Data to Work”, we observe that AMI systems generate streams of data, which can at times be overwhelming for utilities. Many of today’s data management systems can help utilize the information by simplifying billing processes, supporting system awareness, and maintaining water quality. And with SaaS models, the utility does not have to manage a network back-end.
In “Beyond Tanks”, we focus on equipment and processes that maintain water pressure and levels inside storage vessels and support constant flow rates. We look at advancements in appurtenances—level control valves, drains and inlets, pumps, gauges, and monitoring controls—that make safely storing and distributing water possible.
By way of compelling case studies, in “Smart Strategy” we see firsthand how smart meters help utilities use data more effectively and streamline processes with more precise billing and efficiency in meter reading time. We learn about one utility that at one time spent seven working days reading meters—a process that now takes only an hour and a half.
The process of turning operational data into actionable intelligence is complex. Today’s water utilities are finding new ways to derive value from siloed data sources across their organizations. And by integrating this information—essentially connecting the dots—they are able to maximize asset reliability, conserve resources, meet regulatory requirements, operate more efficiently, and also save lives.
