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Wired Water: Information technology can help manage water resources to meet the need, but “the water industry is not leveraging IT to the extent it can because there exists a lack of awareness about what IT can do to improve problems”, says Peter Williams of IBM

Posted by: Maven on June 22, 2009 at 7:49 am

From Tech News World:

Go wet, young IT man (and woman). Your parched, imperiled planet needs you.

When it comes to creating a future filled with fresh, drinkable water, information technology professionals have a significant career opportunity in a mega-sized market. The very economic survival of a thirsty, arid Earth — with the U.S. southwest as a prime example — depends a great deal on properly applying the skills and expertise of app developers and systems administrators to the mapping, modeling and management of water across the world.

In the U.S., shortages are causing states like California to declare water emergencies, introduce rationing, set usage limits, and levy fines and penalties for violators. California’s three-year drought and a dispute over the endangered Delta smelt have put water districts under pressure to cut their customers’ consumption while conserving as much as possible. Each drop counts … and will be counted. No more overwatering, broken sprinklers and leaking pipes sending drinkable water flowing or spraying into adjacent private properties, public rights-of-way and city storm drains on its way to the sea.

“Wired water” — the use of information technology (hardware, software, telecom, networking, services) for water control — could become a US$20 billion market, according to Sharon Nunes, vice president for IBM’s (NYSE: IBM) More about IBM Big Green Innovations global initiative for water management.

“There’s a lot of stress on water systems around the world,” said Nunes. “With a limited supply, you’d better be able to manage it.”

Read more from Tech News World by clicking here.

June 22, 2009 · Filed Under General Water Issues

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