Description
The project objective is the development of a tool to support decision making in the management of environmental vulnerability related to water infrastructure issues, such as critical facilities related to Integrated Water Cycle. This tool will be implemented through the development and implementation of a technology platform, consisting of a monitoring network (hardware) and software control and management. The function of the monitoring network will be collecting (environmental, hydrological, asset management, alarms, etc.) data related to potential conditions or events that may affect the water infrastructure. The data collected by the monitoring network will be managed by the control software, which incorporate applications aimed at managing the vulnerability of infrastructure and support for decision making to unforeseen events. Once developed, the platform will be implemented through a pilot in a real water infrastructure, in order to validate the proper operation thereof. As a result, the company will obtain a comprehensive tool for managing water infrastructure, which will provide real-time information about potential events.
Summary of project results
The Water DSS project was born from the need to develop a tool to predict the vulnerability of water infrastructure to potential threats (natural and anthropogenic). Protection of critical infrastructure associated with water resources is fundamental in our society and currently it is a factor not taken into account. In this way it is necessary to establish technologies that protect these facilities and, in particular, our health and safety. Therefore, the main objective of the project was the development of an innovative technology based on next-generation intelligent algorithms that enables the protection of critical infrastructure in water supply systems. The project resulted in the developemt and validation of a technological tool, useful for managing water infrastructure vulnerability. This tool is compatible with the current legislation governing the protection of critical infrastructure. The design of the tool was made taking into account the requirements of the new legislation on critical infrastructure operators. After developing and validating the system, it can be concluded that the objectives initially set in the project have been accomplished. The main result achieved in the project has been the development of a system prepared to predict the vulnerability of critical infrastructures (water). As part of the technological platform (DSS Water) it has been developed a system of monitoring and warning of the water quality, considering this aspect one of the main vulnerabilities of the water infrastructure. The configuration of the alert system has been made based on various parameters and indicators of the water quality, considering a wide range of potential contaminants. The programming of the technology platform (vulnerability management) has been made using the new algorithms developed. The developed prototype has been tested and validated in a real water infrastructure. Specifically, the system has been tested in a branch belonging to the Commonwealth of Channels Taibilla, in Murcia.
Summary of bilateral results
NIVA acted as an advisory body to Exeleria during the project. In particular, to collect and systematize information on the present status on water quality monitoring in Norway, and report on this to Exeleria. Later, during 2015, some refinements on this was made, e.g to describe what kind of sensor and alarm systems can be applied. At the beginning of the project NIVA carried out a study on the management of the quality of human consumption water in Norwegian, and studied the differences and similarities with management in Spain. Later, as the project advancedt, NIVA focused its activity , in advising on control technologies and monitoring of water quality.