A study on automation to improve efficiency in water resources

Abstract

The legacy of the past and current practices that treat water as an unlimited resource is leading to fast deterioration of this valuable resource on which human life, food security and ecosystems survival depends. (World Bank 1993). Global population is projected to grow from 6.46 billion in 2005 to 9.08 billion in 2050 (an increase of over 40 percent). Meeting the increase demand on account of this population growth is likely to be significant challenge for water authorities around the world. Water needs to be managed in a participative manner, contributing to the enhancement of solidarity between different users. It should be recalled that water has always had an important place in all countries throughout the whole world. The value of water and other issues related to sustainable management of water should be made known to people by means of sufficient and accessible information. AIMS OF DISSERTATION: The aim of this study is to investigate the use of automation in the various sectors of the Water Services Corporation. This dissertation will attempt to conclude whether or not its introduction improved the following: 2 • Quality • Cost And • Water Losses The outcome will determine if in fact automation achieved in establishing efficiency in water production, treatment and distribution. Thus, the hypothesis: Does automation contribute to the efficiency of water resources? METHODOLOGY: The research involved a quantitative approach and so a questionnaire was adopted for the purpose. The statements in the questionnaire were presented in a manner that would retrieve the respondents' general opinions, to determine if a relationship between efficiency and automation exists. STUDY POPULATION: To ensure validity of the study, concerning solely technical issues, it was conducted by retrieving the opinion of WSC employees who are stationed at the various technical sections within the corporation. The results will be analysed and discussed in chapter 4. The aim is to achieve a comprehensive in-look into the capabilities of automation and the advantages of this technology within the water industry, in this case the WSC.