Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) faces increasing challenges regarding water access, water quality, water availability, and water management, especially related to natural hazards (floods and droughts) in a warming world. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Soft Computing (SC) techniques, combined with cloud-based Internet of Things (IoT) frameworks, offer promising solutions to these challenges.
Recent studies have highlighted the crucial potential of AI in enhancing monitoring of accessibility to safe drinking water and sanitation, optimizing water and wastewater treatment processes, predicting water supply and distribution failures, and monitoring the implementation of water policies and regulations more effectively and efficiently. Leveraging AI can thus facilitate the development of IWRM-centric Smart Water Systems (SWS) with a core focus on reducing water risks through the provision of sustainable water security.
This collection aims to explore the transformative potential of AI applications and address how these technologies can revolutionize SWS and enhance IWRM practices to enable and accelerate progress towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6 (Water). We welcome original research articles, reviews, and perspectives contributing to the following AI application topics (but not limited to):
- Assessment and prediction of water quality (blue water, green water, grey water, surface water, groundwater, etc.), especially investigating the impact of emerging contaminants.
- Modelling of physicochemical or microbiological parameters.
- SWS designs for safe drinking water and sanitation monitoring, water recycling, water reuse, irrigation or desalination.
- IWRM case studies with emphasis on high spatial and temporal resolution and policy development.
