UNCTAD report: How technology can help solve the water and sanitation crisis

With billions of people lacking safely managed water and sanitation services, new technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data and the 'Internet of Things’ can help monitor and improve water and sanitation infrastructure, according to the report, entitled Ensuring Safe Water and Sanitation for All: A Solution through Science, Technology and Innovation. 

Tackling water scarcity due to excess demand and climate change will require a dramatic improvement in how we manage water resources, with STI being central to this effort. For instance, early warning systems that rely on drone technologies or deeply integrated earth observation systems can support disaster threat prediction and mitigation. And solutions like smart metering, which provide real-time information and customized feedback, can increase the efficiency of existing water and sanitation systems.

• Read more about UNCTAD’s report here.