Evolution of cyber-physical-human water systems: Challenges and gaps

Abstract

Water utilities are transforming as cyber-physical-human systems (CPHSs) with increasing interconnections and interdependencies between physical assets, cyber systems and human-social interactions. This paper aims to present a comprehensive review of the nature and complexity of the evolution of water utilities, including the existing methodologies to model the changes and the knowledge gaps that must be addressed. This research found that technological, social, environmental, economic, regulatory and operational factors influence water utilities. New challenges are emerging around using legacy IT systems, aging infrastructure, environmental impact and sustainability, data management, data analytics and cybersecurity knowledge and skills, customer and community engagement, government reporting requirements and regulatory compliance. Water utilities are continuing to respond to influencing factors and address emerging challenges, and as a result, system interconnections are increasing, resulting in complexity and uncertainty. Methodological gaps exist in representing water utilities from a broader lens as a CPHS to identify and evaluate multiple influencing factors, their interconnections and impacts and evolving risks for supporting decision-making. Gaps also exist in strategic planning for technology adoption and data management. Future research requires a focus on identifying and mapping increasing system interconnections, modelling their emergent behaviour and understanding the implications of water utilities evolving as CPHSs.