Theme 1: Industrial digitalisation for sustainable operations: Smart water management for sustainability: Digital management of water resources through smart water management systems promoting sustainability

This case study delves into the implementation of a Smart Water Metering (SWM) system by Johannesburg Water (JW) to improve water management. South Africa has been grappling with water distribution and management challenges, resulting in substantial losses. To address this issue, JW, under the guidance of Professor Arnesh Telukdarie and a team of experts, embarked on a journey to enhance efficiency and sustainability in water distribution. This involved evaluating smart water meters from different vendors to ensure alignment with JW's vision for optimised water supply, quality, and distribution efficiency. Pilot deployments in selected areas were conducted to assess the performance and reliability of the chosen meters in real-world scenarios. Efforts were also made to bolster the necessary infrastructure to support the smart meters, including communication networks, data storage, and management systems. Additionally, JW established a research and consulting partnership with the University of Johannesburg to develop a digital water balance system, leveraging advanced technologies to address longstanding challenges in water management. Through strategic planning and stakeholder alignment, JW aimed not only to optimise water distribution but also to contribute to a more sustainable future for Johannesburg and its residents.