In order to achieve the objective of assessing the true value of
the water, an understanding is ultimately required of the true
cost of the water being utilised.
At present, there is no standardised methodology or
framework for the assignment of values to water utilities.
Such a system would facilitate analysis through simulation
of the situation regarding utilisation. This would lead in due
course, to more efficient systems involving employment of
water of an appropriate grade with reduced overall utilisation,
reduced cost and improved environmental performance.
The necessary treatments which the water undergoes and
the associated costs add value to each utility. Alternative
sources of water, originating from rainwater harvesting or
recycling, would necessitate different treatments. The value
system facilitates simulation modelling, with the requirements
of the facility formulating the outputs of the model.
An added value water system has applicability across all
spectra of water utilisation and can be adapted and weighted
according to the priorities of the domain. Eventually, any
successful overall water management scheme will involve a
combination of sub-systems, depending on the sector. Every
system will be comprised of an added value system with
components originating from legislative, financial, corporate
and personal inputs.
To date, the employment of ICT-enabled systems to resource
efficiencies has been restricted due to the lack of data,
metrics and methodologies. A value system, such as that
proposed, attempts to remedy the two latter restrictions identified
for water utilities. It also facilitates improved measurement
and tracking of resources utilising water. The system
may also be extrapolated to other utilities or manufacturing
systems.