The United States lacks the data needed to manage our water supplies – and to pursue innovative solutions to water management challenges. The data that does exist is typically in formats that are not easily accessed or understood by potential users. Compounding the problem, keepers of data often have disincentives, fears, or concerns related to making their information available to others.
An “Internet of Water” could change this situation by connecting water data producers, information hubs, and users. A new report from The Aspen Institute Energy and Environment Program, the Nicholas Institute for Environmental Policy Solutions at Duke University, and Redstone Strategy Group advances this concept in tangible ways. Titled Internet of Water: Sharing and Integrating Water Data for Sustainability, the report provides a blueprint for the design and launch of a feasible, operable network. Ultimately, this network can enable the real-time linkage and transmission of water-related data.
The report emerged from the Aspen Institute Dialogue Series on Water Data. It presents a forward-looking vision for incorporating data into the management of water resources. Connecting water data from across the U.S. will improve water resources management and the ability to address prevalent water challenges such as extreme flooding, scarcity, contamination, and restoration of aquatic systems.
The S. D. Bechtel, Jr. Foundation, along with partners in the Water Funder Initiative, provided support for the Aspen Institute Dialogue Series on Water Data and the report. This is part of a broader set of commitments made at the 2016 White House Water Summit, where the Water Funder Initiative endorsed the launch of Project Water Data – an effort to work with federal, state, and local governments, as well as private- and social-sector partners, to modernize data systems that support healthy communities, thriving agricultural systems, and clean waterways for our wildlife.
Photo courtesy of the Aspen Institute.