Challenges.

Target irrigation to where crops actually need water

Farmers waste water because irrigation systems deliver more water than crops need in some parts of a field.

Align irrigation schedules with soil and weather data

Agricultural water use remains high because irrigation schedules do not reflect soil moisture and weather conditions.

Distinguish temporary from sustained water demand rises

Water shortages worsen because utilities cannot tell whether a rise in demand is temporary or likely to continue.

Show households which activities drive water use

Households use more water than necessary because consumption feedback rarely shows which daily activities are driving use.

Close the gap between urban water demand and supply

Cities face water shortages because demand is growing faster than reliable local supply.

Detect water contamination earlier in distribution pipes

Contaminated water reaches consumers because problems are not detected early enough in distribution pipes.

Identify highest-water processes in industry

Water-intensive industries cannot reduce consumption because they cannot identify which processes use the most water.

Detect water supply deterioration before shortages hit

Communities discover water shortages only after reservoirs, underground water supplies, or local sources have already deteriorated.

Adapt farm production to shifting rainfall and temperatures

Farmers cannot maintain reliable production as changing rainfall and temperatures alter growing conditions.