The automation in the water industry is rapidly developing. What are the trends in smart water management in 2017?

　　In the new year, the emergence of smart digital technology and Internet of Things (IoT) devices has improved the resilience of water supply and drainage systems and simplified operational processes for water companies. According to Deloitte's forecast, data-driven products have great potential to change people's consumption patterns, government thinking about water resources, and macro policies on how to invest in and manage water infrastructure in the future.

　　In 2017, the water industry will certainly see more exciting technological developments, and industry insiders have boldly speculated on the most promising development trends for the new year based on last year's water market performance:

　　Online Consumer Interaction

　　Today, the water industry has begun to understand and accept the advantages of customer interaction. Through AMI solutions, water companies can establish two-way communication directly with water meters, user websites, and mobile apps, thereby improving service quality and alerting users to potential leaks, blockages, pollution, and other issues. Customers can also proactively track their water usage and monitor their monthly bills. In 2017, due to the increased demand for transparency in water usage, future interactive technologies will play a more important role, and available solutions will become more personalized.

　　Smart Irrigation

　　The global irrigation industry is undergoing a major transformation driven by technology, widely referred to as precision or "smart" irrigation. Due to water scarcity, increased crop yields, and climate change, the irrigation industry faces significant challenges. Through smart irrigation technology, farmers can use sensors or controllers to determine when and where to irrigate, maximizing yield. The current global market for smart irrigation is approximately $8.34 billion.

　　Smart Wastewater Management

　　With increased environmental regulation, climate change, aging infrastructure, and the urgent need to improve customer service, cities are turning to "smart" data-driven solutions to enhance their wastewater systems. These solutions allow operators to detect wastewater infiltration and inflow, respond quickly to system failures, and apply modeling to optimize decision-making. In 2017, more and more solutions will shift towards smart wastewater management—four cities in the United States have already used data technology to prevent harmful wastewater overflows.

　　Real-time Water Quality Monitoring

　　Pollution incidents such as the Flint water crisis in Michigan and the recent Corpus Christi pollution event have raised global awareness of water quality issues in developed countries. Water companies can proactively manage and avoid potential threats through real-time water quality monitoring. One of the key demands in the water industry in 2017 is such solutions to ensure the safe operation of pipeline networks.

　　Mergers and Acquisitions

　　In 2016, M&A that was "game-changing" was particularly prominent, consolidating the positions of several industry leaders and forming several strategic partnerships. Xylem acquired Sensus and Visenti. General Electric's Water & Process Technologies signed multiple cooperation agreements with WaterSmar software and Smart Earth Technologies. Belkin, a global leader in consumer electronics, announced a joint venture with Uponor to keep water usage in line with other smart home technologies. "Similar partnerships may emerge in 2017 to provide integrated solutions.

　　An Automated Future

　　Automation solutions in the water industry are rapidly developing and deploying across the globe. The water industry is changing with the development of cloud computing, big data analytics, remote control systems, and self-learning capabilities of machinery. These complex systems include interactive technological devices and a set of optimized operational processes. In 2017, we will continue to see a surge of emerging automation solutions that may change the landscape of the entire water industry.