4 steps to jumpstarting a smart water initiative in your city Just as the smart grid is the new reality for the energy industry, smart water networks are the new face of the water utility industry. In a piece published in Australian business publication ferret, Council Lead Partner Schneider Electric outlines the importance of data analytics and other technologies in transforming a dumb water network into an efficient, automated system “ and spells out four steps water utilities can take to ensure a successful transition.What do smart water networks offer?The benefits of incorporating data analysis into a water network are better performance with the possibility of improved customer service, and a uniquely detailed way to visualize the network's operations.On the technology side, smart water networks include the integration of supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA), meter data management solutions, advanced metering and automated meter reading and more. Those all enhance the ability to prevent the water loss prevalent in dumb systems through leak detection and control, pressure management, equipment repairs and asset management, the company says.Schneider Electric describes four basic steps intended to occur over time. The following is a brief summary (learn more in the ferret article):Related articles¦The customer benefits of smart water networksSan Francisco turns to smart water meters during droughtLooking for a quick-payoff project? Look into smart water