Fourth industrial revolution: implications for the water sector in an African context

The water sector can leverage advancement provided for by the fourth industrial revolution (4IR). The operational protocols of water distribution and monitoring are significant and diverse. This paper segregates and focuses on non-revenue water (NRW) issues. This paper proposes a model suitable to optimise leak detection and water balancing aspects of water operations. The developments are driven by tools of the 4IR discussing the role of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) as a theoretical basis. The methodology employs simulation and design of experiments (DOE) to collaborate activities (business processes) relating to leak detection and water balancing operational protocols. The data collection is developed in a repository using the Microsoft Visio tool and tested using AccuProcess Modeler (simulation tool). The results through the proposed holistic leak detection and water balancing model (LDWBM) highlight significant savings in the total business response times and sustainable for water distribution and monitoring.