In a 2021 report, the United Nations revealed that 2.3 billion people reside in water-stressed countries, with this situation likely to worsen due to climate change and population growth, as acknowledged by the World Health Organization.
Protecting the Earth’s water resources and optimizing consumption are essential for sustaining life on our planet. At IBM, we possess extensive expertise in employing technology to amalgamate data and systems, enabling us to provide valuable insights in tackling sustainability challenges.
Our sustainability solutions empower organizations to integrate data with AI insights, enhancing their operational management and optimization. By leveraging data-driven technology, we assist in minimizing water waste and safeguarding our valuable water resources for current and future generations.
Eliminating Waste
Unaccounted-for or non-revenue water (NRW), which is produced but lost before reaching users, constitutes a significant type of waste. According to the World Bank, approximately 45 million cubic meters of water are lost daily due to issues such as leaks and pipe bursts, amounting to over US$3 billion annually. Just halving NRW in developing countries could provide enough fresh water to serve approximately 90 million people.
IBM’s sustainability solutions play a crucial role in identifying and reducing NRW. The IBM Maximo Application Suite incorporates data from various sources, such as IoT sensors, supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems, and visual inspections, and uses AI to detect anomalies in pipes or pumps. By providing real-time alerts for pipe bursts or minor leaks, Maximo facilitates timely response and efficient water management.
Additionally, Maximo and the IBM TRIRIGA Application Suite help in monitoring and managing water infrastructure, offering predictive insights for informed decision-making. With advanced predictive analytics tools, engineers and operators gain better visibility into their infrastructure’s integrity, reducing NRW incidents and avoiding unnecessary maintenance expenses on well-functioning infrastructure.
Protecting Quality
Aside from minimizing water waste, safeguarding water quality is equally important. IBM has been collaborating with Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and the Lake George Association to monitor anthropogenic changes in Lake George, New York. IoT sensors, AI, analytics, and predictive computer models create a real-time picture of the lake’s water quality and movement. This approach helps identify and address issues like harmful algal blooms, enabling better controls and remediation practices to protect water resources.
Improving Operations
Addressing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals of water and sanitation for all by 2030 requires collaboration and innovative solutions aided by technology. IBM’s technology allows businesses and governments to collect and analyze underlying data, enabling more transparent decision-making and partnerships that meet collective needs.
For example, Melbourne Water, in Australia, is utilizing the IBM Envizi ESG Suite to manage its energy consumption more proactively. By leveraging data to support sustainability efforts, the organization has reduced its carbon emissions and improved operational efficiency.
IBM’s Environmental Responsibility
IBM has a strong commitment to environmental responsibility, spanning more than five decades. In its 2021 ESG Report, IBM views environmental leadership as a long-term strategic imperative, continually setting ambitious goals and employing technologies to address global environmental challenges. One such goal includes reducing water withdrawals in water-stressed regions.
On World Water Day, IBM highlights how technology can address urgent challenges like the global water crisis, fostering progress towards achieving sustainability goals.
In conclusion, IBM’s technological solutions play a crucial role in driving water sustainability initiatives, supporting efforts to preserve water resources, minimize waste, and protect water quality for a better future.