The Fight for Water.

As water availability declines, conflicts of interest arise in the affected regions—between nations, industry and agriculture, municipalities, businesses, farms, and neighbours. The issue of water becomes a question of equity. Irrigation systems in many countries begin as wide canals made of concrete or earth, which progressively narrow and branch out until their offshoots reach the farmers‘ fields as small channels.
Where rivers originate, or water is collected in dams or retention basins, it appears as though water is plentiful. However, at the downstream ends of rivers or the tail ends of irrigation systems, often only trickles emerge from pumps and canals. If too much water is withdrawn upstream, there is not enough for everyone.

„Innovative solutions exist. Advances in sensor technology, computing, artificial intelligence, and big data management, can help monitor water quantity and quality and inform operational decisions by the policy makers and water management companies.
Also, innovations in nature-based systems to manage water are available that can contribute to resilient water management. “If new technologies and approaches hold so much potential, then why is it that these solutions are not deployed more widely?”

Beyond serving as a habitat and source of sustenance for plants and animals, it is also a crucial factor for the economy of every region in the world. The amount we use daily for household purposes is relatively small. However, we rely on water most heavily for a wide range of industrial processes—such as for energy generation or as a coolant—and, above all, for global agricultural irrigation.
While the total amount of water available globally remains relatively constant, the world’s population continues to grow, driving up the demand for housing, clothing, and food—all of which require ever-increasing amounts of water to sustain rising production levels.

State-of-the-art measurement technology captures flow rates and water levels in open channels or closed pipelines with high precision; the systems can be integrated into existing irrigation networks with minimal effort. Extensive structural modifications are unnecessary, as the existing infrastructure can be utilised.
The water’s journey from its „source“ to its destination—the farmer’s fields—can span several kilometres. Measuring flow rates within the channels allows for the detection of leaks (water loss) and unauthorised water extraction by third parties—issues that result in water loss and cause precious water to seep away unused. The goal is to obtain real-time, round-the-clock information on conditions within the irrigation network.

We determine the number of measuring devices required based on the objectives agreed upon with our clients. These objectives might include understanding water availability and system functionality. The scope of measurement can be expanded to track exactly how much water each farmer withdraws.

The vast amount of measurement data transmitted by remote terminal units requires comprehensive processing and meaningful visualisation—in the form of process displays—to ensure continuous, reliable monitoring, analysis, and intelligent control. Comprehensive information regarding the existing, extensive water network enables full control over the system and forms the foundation for sustainable water management. This also allows for a rapid response to disruptions or meteorological events at any time.

A team of mathematicians and hydrologists is developing a modular numerical model that reflects flow behavior within the irrigation network. This model is based on data already collected regarding flow rates and water levels in the canals, as well as algorithms grounded in assumptions such as canal width, material (concrete or earth), canal shape, and vegetation (algae, trees in the water, grasses). To validate these assumptions, the model must be calibrated.
Once calibrated, the model is used to calculate scenarios that reveal how the system behaves during extreme events, such as periods of drought or heavy rainfall. Understanding flow dynamics and water pathways provides the foundation for managing water supplies precisely according to demand. This detailed analysis and in-depth understanding enable simulations that offer a crucial advantage in water management: demonstrating how water can be conserved. State-of-the-art measurement technology captures flow rates and water levels in open channels or closed pipelines with high precision; the systems can be integrated into existing irrigation networks with minimal effort. Extensive structural modifications are unnecessary, as the existing infrastructure can be utilised.

The water’s journey from its „source“ to its destination—the farmer’s fields—can span several kilometres. Measuring flow rates within the channels allows for the detection of leaks (water loss) and unauthorised water extraction by third parties—issues that result in water loss and cause precious water to seep away unused. The goal is to obtain real-time, round-the-clock information on conditions within the irrigation network.
We determine the number of measuring devices required based on the objectives agreed upon with our clients. These objectives might include understanding water availability and system functionality. The scope of measurement can be expanded to track exactly how much water each farmer withdraws.

Countless water-conveying channels and pipes stretch for kilometres through vast cultivation areas, reaching even the smallest of individual farmers‘ fields. Sluice gates and weirs control the flow of water. Insights gained from prior simulations allow the system to be managed in accordance with specific requirements. Water requirements vary for each farmer depending on the type of crop, the stage of the harvest, and weather forecasts, which also account for extreme conditions such as low water levels or heavy rainfall. A single click determines where and how many weirs open and automatically close, delivering the precise amount of water the farmer needs for the day, right down to the minute.
Maintaining control over the water network also makes it possible to capture heavy rainfall rather than letting it flow away unused; instead, it can be diverted and collected in retention basin. These can be small-scale units located on the farmer’s property—such as a type of cistern—that fill up during extreme weather events. This ensures the water can be put to effective use precisely when it is needed most.

Applying water based on actual need requires the prior analysis of extensive data. To ensure optimal use of cultivated land and the associated water resources, we utilise state-of-the-art satellite analysis. First, precise mapping identifies the cultivation areas of each farmer. This process involves not only surveying the plot but also determining the type of crop and its growth stage from above. Soil moisture measurements are also taken and factored into the calculation of water requirements.
The actual volume of water required is determined using data that accounts for weather forecasts, groundwater levels, soil composition and moisture, crop type, and growth stage. Data collection also enables recommendations regarding fertilisation and the use of crop protection products, as well as yield forecasts; based on satellite imagery, these indicate whether the harvest is meeting expectations, falling short, or exceeding them. The satellite-based geoinformation portal offers another advantage: it simplifies the detection of leaks.

To enable the metering of every consumer, flow meters—along with the necessary shut-off valves—must be installed in the water conveyance channels. This investment is essential to modernise the existing regional infrastructure into a forward-looking irrigation system, thereby facilitating sustainable water management.

Using a multi-tenant app, end users can request water, view their personal consumption statistics, and receive recommendations based on the water volumes used by other growers cultivating the same crops on comparable land areas. In countries where farmers purchase water rights or pay for water withdrawal, the app can serve as a billing system. Its features range from generating monthly invoices (with payment terms in the local language) to confirming receipt of payment. The system also tracks outstanding balances, which may result in restrictions on future water orders.