How the Internet of Things Can Help Solve Water Woes

New tools and technologies of the so-called Internet of Things are helping cities get a better handle on water scarcity and overabundance.

1 minute read

September 28, 2015, 12:00 PM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Water Dripping

Vinoth Chandar / Flickr

"Whether cities face scarcity or abundance—forced to conserve water or plan for torrential rain—new tools are emerging that leverage the Internet of Things to effectively manage water," according to an article by Laura Adler.

Adler goes on to survey the different types of technologies in use in cities around the country. For instance: " Companies such as Hortau and CropX and nonprofits like Santa Cruz County’s Community Water Dialogue are implementing radio- or cellular-enabled sensor systems that track variables including rainfall, humidity, soil composition, topography, temperature, and sunlight. Coupled with analytics and weather prediction data, this information enables farmers to make smarter decisions about irrigation."

On the drought side of the equation, Adler also mentions technological innovations for irrigation on municipal properties and for preventing leaks from urban water transportation systems.

For managing stormwater, Adler notes that the Internet of Things is helping cities plan for and anticipate heavy rainfall. For instance: "Firms like Opti are helping cities pull together data from water storage facilities and weather predictions to ensure that there is sufficient space to collect and process rainwater runoff. With analytics and smart infrastructure management, cities can plan for maximum runoff capture and processing, with the dual benefit of increasing water harvesting and reducing pollution."

Monday, September 14, 2015 in Data-Smart City Solutions

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

June 25, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Map of Western U.S. indicating public lands that would be for sale under a Senate plan in yellow and green.

Map: Where Senate Republicans Want to Sell Your Public Lands

For public land advocates, the Senate Republicans’ proposal to sell millions of acres of public land in the West is “the biggest fight of their careers.”

June 19, 2025 - Outdoor Life

Person wearing mask walking through temporary outdoor dining setup lined with bistro lights at dusk in New York City.

Restaurant Patios Were a Pandemic Win — Why Were They so Hard to Keep?

Social distancing requirements and changes in travel patterns prompted cities to pilot new uses for street and sidewalk space. Then it got complicated.

June 19, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Close-up of full beer glass with purple train-themed design sitting on bar between two frosty tall cans.

Platform Pilsner: Vancouver Transit Agency Releases... a Beer?

TransLink will receive a portion of every sale of the four-pack.

June 30 - Cities Today

Vintage red Toronto streetcar passing in front of Rogers Arena in Toronto, Canada.

Toronto Weighs Cheaper Transit, Parking Hikes for Major Events

Special event rates would take effect during large festivals, sports games and concerts to ‘discourage driving, manage congestion and free up space for transit.”

June 30 - blogTO

Map of Berlin with ring roads in green and red.

Berlin to Consider Car-Free Zone Larger Than Manhattan

The area bound by the 22-mile Ringbahn would still allow 12 uses of a private automobile per year per person, and several other exemptions.

June 30 - Streetsblog USA

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.