Promote Water Conservation Research Articles

Using computational fluid dynamics and deep learning for leak detection and localization in a smart water management system

Water leakages in distribution systems offer significant challenges, resulting in water loss, infrastructure damage, and environmental hazards. As urban populations grow and water resources become scarcer, water management systems’ efficiency becomes increasingly important. Traditional leak detection methods are inadequate and labour-intensive, making them unsuitable for large-scale infrastructure. In addition, limitations in the data representing pipes of varying diameters and materials under various leak scenarios leads to complexity in automatic water leak detection and localization. In response to this challenge, this research effort combines Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and Deep Learning (DL) to enhance leak detection and localization. The study simulates water flow in pipes of varying diameters and materials under various leak scenarios using CFD. Consequentially deep learning models like the Bi-Layered ReLU Encoder + Softmax and Tri-Layered ReLU Encoder + Softmax are trained and tested. The results indicate improvements in detection accuracy by 2.4% and localization by 5.6%, highlighting the potential of this hybrid approach to enhance the reliability and efficiency of water management systems, ultimately promoting water conservation and reducing infrastructure damage.

Estimation of Monthly Irrigation Water Requirement of Crops Using CROPWAT

Water is increasingly becoming a limited resource due to rising demands for various uses, including hydropower generation, irrigation, and domestic supply. As the population grows, the need for water across different sectors constantly increases. However, the availability of water resources is restricted both spatially and temporally. Therefore, there is an urgent need for systematic and scientific planning to ensure its optimal use. Agriculture sector being the major consumer of water resources, the adoption of modern irrigation techniques can significantly reduce water consumption and promote water conservation. This advancement will expand the irrigated areas and ultimately lead to increased agricultural productivity. Irrigation water requirements of major crops, namely, Paddy, maize, sugarcane etc. are determined using the CROPWAT model. The present study aimed to find out the irrigation water requirement for the major crops grown in Krishna Central Delta, Andhra Pradesh. Results revealed that irrigation water requirement for kharif season ranges from 89-475 mm and in rabi season varies from 320-821 mm. For sugarcane irrigation water requirement was found to be 927 mm.

Conservation tillage (CT) for climate-smart sustainable intensification: Benchmarking CT to improve soil properties, water footprint and bulb yield productivity in onion cultivation

Environmental sustainability indicators for conservation tillage (CT) in agricultural systems primarily focus on assessing the impacts on soil organic carbon (SOC) and water footprint (WF). One way to improve these indicators is by boosting crop production while minimizing environmental impact through the implementation of sustainable intensification (SI) and climate-smart agriculture (CSA) to ensure food security. Conservation agriculture (CA) based CT practice with crop residue retention has potential for benchmarking the conserving of water in agriculture, improving soil health, crop productivity and ensuring agricultural sustainability. The CT-based water-saving potential in onion cultivation nonetheless remains understudied in Bangladesh. For this, a field experiment was undertaken to assess soil properties and water footprint in onion cultivation in the Charland agroecosystem in Jamalpur, Bangladesh. Three different tillage practices, such as minimum tillage (MT), tractor tillage (TT) and conventional power tillage (PT), and flatbed flood irrigation were introduced with four replications. Tillage practices showed significant positive effects on yield characteristics and bulb yields. The findings indicate that the MT practice in onion (BARI Piaz-4) cultivation resulted in the highest fresh bulb yield of 22.79 t ha−1, followed by TT (20.48 t ha−1) and PT (16.25 t ha−1) practices. The MT practice achieved the highest water footprint (WF) savings of 40% water, where crop biomass, including above and below-ground parts, bulb size, yield characteristics, and yield productivity were significantly increased. The findings also indicate a direct correlation between the water productivity index (WPI), WF and the bulb yield under MT practice. The study's findings favor CT practice and, therefore, suggest a methodology of employing MT practice as a benchmark to increase agricultural water-saving potential. It can also be used as a reference for promoting water conservation practices achieving sustainable development and improving resource efficiency in agriculture.

Seasonal Variations in Hydraulic Regulation of Whole-Tree Transpiration in Mongolian Pine Plantations: Insights from Semiarid Deserts in Northern China

Seasonal precipitation variance significantly alters soil water content, potentially inducing water stress and affecting plant transpiration in semiarid deserts. This study explored the effects of environmental variables and hydraulic conductance on whole-tree transpiration (ET) in Mongolian pines (Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica) across different forest stages in the semiarid deserts of Northern China. We measured ET using sap flow in mature (MMP), half-mature (HMP), and young (YMP) Mongolian pine plantations. Measurements included soil-leaf water potential difference (ΔΨ), atmospheric conditions, and soil moisture contents on sunny days, both in dry and wet periods. Seasonally variable rainfall distinctly affected soil moisture; during the dry periods, both stomatal and hydraulic conductance influenced ET, whereas stomatal conductance primarily regulated it during the wet periods. Discrepancies between predicted and measured ET were noticed: compared to the predicted ET, the measured ET was lower during dry periods while higher during wet periods. Hydraulic conductance (KT) increased with tree height (H) and ΔΨ. The KT values in the dry period were lower than those in the wet period, indicating that the hydraulic resistance in the dry period was higher. The hydraulic compensation occurred and was observed between 11:00 and 13:00, aligned with increased hydraulic resistance during dry periods. Decreasing hydraulic conductance intensified leaf water stress in dry periods, especially when photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) and vapor pressure deficit (VPD) were heightened, potentially increasing stomatal sensitivity to drought, promoting water conservation and plant survival. A linear relationship between predawn and midday leaf water potentials was noticed, indicating extreme anisohydric behavior across forest stages during dry and wet periods. Although stomatal and hydraulic conductance influenced ET during the dry period, MMP and YMP were more susceptible to drought conditions. Understanding these dynamics could help evaluate semiarid desert ecological functions for water conservation amidst uneven seasonal precipitation in Northern China.

Wastewater Recycling to Enhance Environmental Quality using Fuzzy Embedded with RNN-IoT for Sustainable Coffee Farming

<p style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="line-height:200%"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Wastewater pollution is a major concern due to organic matter, pesticides, and other contaminants. Untreated discharge of this wastewater can pollute water resources and harm the environment. A data-driven approach for optimizing wastewater treatment systems and ensuring recycled water's safety and effectiveness by calculating energy, chemical, and greenhouse gas emissions. According to this study, the process of system optimization decreases the negative influence on the environment. This suggested research looks at the potential for reusing wastewater and purifying it so it can be used in coffee plants. A variety of methods for cleaning and disinfecting substances are detailed in the article. A wide range of physical, chemical, and biological processes can be utilized in these treatments. The primary objective of sewage wastewater treatment is to develop effective methods that ensure the safety and effectiveness of treated reused water for use in agriculture. data analysis using sensors Connected sensors that measure nutrients, pollutants, salinity, pH, organic matter, and toxins are being used to track various water quality measures. Fuzzy-based data processing utilizing FRNNs to handle uncertainties inherent in sensor data through fuzzy logic techniques. Recurrent neural networks capture temporal dependencies in the wastewater data, allowing for more accurate predictions. Compared with the other existing algorithms, the proposed method has the efficient treatment of wastewater and its safe reuse for coffee cultivation, promoting water conservation and sustainable agricultural practices.</span></span></span></p>

Scheduling irrigation events in corn using three soil water potential strategies

AbstractScheduling irrigation events is important for high corn (Zea mays L.) yield, water use efficiency, economic returns, and water conservation. The use of shallow subsurface drip irrigation (S3DI) is cost effective for small irregular shaped field areas. Currently there are no irrigation scheduling recommendations for S3DI systems for corn production. The objective was to evaluate three water potential value strategies for scheduling irrigation events and the effect on corn yield, test weight, irrigation water use efficiency (IWUE), and value water use efficiency (VWUE). Corn was grown multiple years (2012–2013; 2019–2023) at two locations (Dawson and Shellman, GA) using soil water potential sensors to schedule irrigation events. Sensors were installed at 10 and 20 inches (25 and 50 cm) soil depth. Irrigation events were scheduled when the average water potential was between 40 to 60 cbar (I1), 60 to 80 cbar (I2), 80 to 100 cbar (I3), and compared to a dryland control (I0). There was no difference in corn yield, IWUE, or VWUE between irrigation treatments, but all irrigation treatments had greater yield than I0, except in high rainfall years. At the Shellman location, total water applied for I3 was 46% less than for I1. At Dawson, I2 applied 17% more water than either I1 or I3. Across both sites, I1 and I2 applied 1.5 and 1.3 times more water than I3, respectively. Therefore, irrigation events scheduled at 80 to 100 cbar can be a viable technique for irrigating corn using S3DI without yield reductions while promoting water conservation.

Examining the Prospects of Residential Water Demand Management Policy Regulations in Ethiopia: Implications for Sustainable Water Resource Management

This study examines the prospects of residential water demand management policy regulations in Ethiopia and their implications for sustainable water resource management. This study aims to evaluate the existing policy regulations and analyze their effectiveness in promoting efficient water use and conservation practices in residential areas. By considering the potential challenges and opportunities associated with these regulations, the research provides insights into the future of residential water demand management in Ethiopia and suggests strategies for enhancing sustainable water resource management. An integrated literature and policy document review, alongside observation and interviews, was used to assess the viability of residential water demand management policies. The assessment of current policy regulations for residential water demand management in Ethiopian urban towns has revealed significant shortcomings in promoting water conservation activities. Simple linear regression analysis of water consumption data from 2010 to 2020 showed no significant reduction in water usage, with an increase in average consumption from 43, 39, and 28 L per capita per day (LPCD) pre-policy to 72, 51, and 42 LPCD post-policy for Arba Minch, Ziway, and Debre Birhan, respectively. Hence, there is a need for significant improvements in the current water resource policy guidelines, which lack specificity, particularly in residential water demand management conservation strategies. The lack of awareness among residents regarding the importance of conserving their limited water resources is evident. To address these challenges and ensure the sustainability of the water supply, the government and policy developers must engage with various stakeholders, including the community, in the process of revising current policy documents. A more precise and tailored approach is necessary for its effective implementation.

Vasopressin, protein metabolism, and water conservation.

Highlight the mechanisms through which vasopressin and hypertonic stress regulate protein metabolism. Mammals have an 'aestivation-like' response in which hypertonic stress increases muscle catabolism and urea productionVasopressin can directly regulate ureagenesis in the liver and the kidneyIn humans chronic hypertonic stress is associated with premature aging, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and premature mortality. There is an evolutionarily conserved 'aestivation-like' response in humans in which hypertonic stress results in activation of the vasopressin system, muscle catabolism, and ureagenesis in order to promote water conservation.

Sustainable Water Service Tariff Model for Integrated Watershed Management: A Case Study in the Ecuadorian Andes

This study addresses the financial sustainability challenge of integrated watershed management (IWM) in regions with inadequate water service tariffs. A novel water service tariff model is proposed, incorporating supply costs, water loss reduction investments, and IWM expenses informed by user perceptions. The model is applied to an intermediate Andean city in southern Ecuador, where the current tariff impedes the financial viability of the water utility, reflecting a regional trend. The results indicate a necessary tariff increase exceeding 100% to cover the costs and support IWM. The economic value of watershed environmental services (WES) were estimated at USD 1,505,530.64 per year. This value translates to an average water consumption of 20 m3/user/month, equivalent to a WES of USD 2.60 per month. Despite the users’ willingness to pay falling below the estimated economic value of WES, there is a clear need for implementing incentive programs to promote water conservation and policy adjustments that favor the financial sustainability of water supply companies in developing countries.

Efficient Soil Health Monitoring and Irrigation Management System Using Fuzzy Logic

Abstract: The need for sustainable agriculture is acutely felt due to ever increasing global water crisis. Efficient irrigation management is crucial in this regard. The proposed system employs a network of soil moisture sensor distributed over a agricultural field, where continuous acquisition of real time data on soil moisture levels is done. Soil moisture measurement is a vital parameter in terms of precision agriculture, which affects the irrigation scheduling for ensuring optimal crop growth. Traditional methods related face challenges adapting to changing soil patterns at different conditions. The system proposes application of fuzzy logic algorithm for processing of data. Key advantages of using fuzzy logic in soil moisture measurement include improved precision in moisture detection, enhanced ability to make more informed irrigation decisions. The proposed system delivers a model for promoting water conservation, enhancing crop productivity and maintaining soil health.

Advancing sustainability in construction and environmental management about innovative materials, technologies, and policy frameworks

This comprehensive study explores the integration of advanced materials, innovative technologies, and policy frameworks to enhance sustainability in construction and environmental management. Through an in-depth analysis of self-healing concrete, energy-efficient insulation materials, recycled composites, membrane filtration advancements, photocatalytic water purification, bioremediation techniques, corrosion-resistant alloys, smart sensing technologies, earthquake-resistant designs, and green infrastructure, we demonstrate significant potential to reduce environmental impact, improve infrastructure durability, and promote water conservation. Additionally, the role of international standards, regulations, and incentives in fostering sustainable development practices is critically examined. Quantitative analyses and mathematical models provide a foundation for assessing the effectiveness and economic viability of these innovations, offering valuable insights for stakeholders across the construction and environmental sectors

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Sustainability in Water Supply: A Systematic Review

Although access to clean and safe water is a fundamental human right, millions of people around the world lack this essential resource. Through their CSR initiatives, companies are promoting responsible and sustainable practices to ensure the appropriate use and management of water resources. Using a systematic review and PRISMA framework, this study examined the impact of CSR initiatives on sustainable water supply. A total of 108 articles were identified, and 33 were subjected to further reviews and analysis. This study found that CSR initiatives contribute to sustainable water supply through water conservation, water stewardship, responsible supply chains, and various educational and training initiatives. This study found that CSR initiatives have been effective in transforming behaviors and converting millions of people around the world into water activists. Corporations are also leveraging new technologies to enhance efficiency in their operations and minimize excessive water waste. This study also found that corporations must build responsible business practices through ethical, economic, and environmental responsibility. Although CSR initiatives can be too costly for many organizations, businesses can reduce costs through strategic partnerships and leveraging technological innovations to promote water conservation and hygiene.

Optimized water management for precision agriculture using IoT-based smart irrigation system

This project introduces a Smart Irrigation System aimed at enhancing water efficiency in agriculture through the integration of an Arduino Uno micro-controller and a variety of sensors. The system incorporates a soil moisture sensor, a DHT11 sensor for monitoring temperature and humidity, an LCD, a buzzer for alerts, and a relay module to control a pump motor. The main goal is to create an automated irrigation system that adjusts to environmental conditions, thereby optimizing water usage for plant growth. The soil moisture sensor continuously evaluates soil moisture levels, while the DHT11 sensor keeps tabs on temperature and humidity. The Arduino Uno processes this data and displays it on an LCD screen. When the soil moisture falls below a predefined threshold, the system activates a buzzer and triggers the relay to turn on the pump motor. The LCD provides real-time feedback on environmental conditions and the irrigation status. This Smart Irrigation System offers several advantages, including water conservation, energy efficiency, and improved plant health. By automating irrigation based on real sensor data, the system minimizes water wastage and ensures that plants receive optimal moisture levels. Additionally, temperature and humidity monitoring contribute to effective microenvironment management. The project serves as a demonstration of IoT-based solutions for agricultural challenges, featuring a modular design that allows for scalability. Future developments may include incorporating additional sensors, enabling wireless connectivity for remote monitoring, and integration with weather data. In summary, the system provides a practical and cost-effective solution for sustainable agriculture, promoting water conservation and efficient farming practices.

Ripples of change: Assessing the impact of water resource tax reform pilot on the green growth of China's coastal cities

Coastal cities, despite being close to expansive oceans, are still susceptible to water constraints. The water resource tax reform pilot has been instrumental in promoting water conservation and effective utilization, so contributing significantly to the green growth of the coastal cities where it has been implemented. Utilizing data from prefecture-level cities in China's coastal areas from 2007 to 2019 and adopting the Green Total Factor Productivity as a measure of green growth, this study is dedicated to exploring the impact of water resources tax reform on the green growth of coastal cities. It treats the water resource tax reform pilot as a quasi-natural experiment and utilizes multi-period DID and PSM-DID methodologies to examine the effects of this reform on Green Total Factor Productivity. The findings indicate that the water resource tax reform pilot has made a significant contribution to green growth, primarily by reducing water consumption and enhancing governmental focus on marine environmental regulation. Expanding upon these findings, the article provides suggestions in several domains like the establishment of distinct tax rates, allocation of tax money, government oversight, and implementation of taxes on agricultural water resources. These findings can serve as a scientific benchmark for the development and execution of water resource tax policies in other areas.

WATER CRISIS ESCALATION: GLOBAL CHALLENGES AND URGENT IMPERATIVES-REVIEW

The world is facing an escalating water crisis, posing significant challenges and urgent imperatives for global sustainability. This review delves into the multifaceted dimensions of this crisis, examining its origins, current status, and potential future trajectories. We analyze the complex interplay of factors driving water scarcity, including population growth, climate change, urbanization, pollution, and unsustainable resource management practices. Moreover, we explore the profound socio-economic and environmental impacts of water scarcity on human health, agriculture, industry, and ecosystems, highlighting its disproportionate effects on vulnerable communities. By synthesizing insights from interdisciplinary research, policy documents, and expert perspectives, we identify key strategies and interventions aimed at addressing the water crisis. These include enhancing water governance frameworks, investing in water infrastructure and technology, promoting water conservation and efficiency measures, and fostering international cooperation and partnerships. Furthermore, we underscore the need for innovative approaches, such as nature-based solutions and integrated water resources management, to build resilience and adaptability in the face of uncertain climatic and demographic trends. Urgent action is required at local, national, and global levels to mitigate the impacts of the water crisis, safeguard water security, and ensure equitable access to this vital resource for current and future generations. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of knowledge and insights to inform policy formulation, planning, and decision-making processes aimed at addressing the critical challenges posed by the escalating water crisis on a global scale.

Evaluate and design public policies to address water supply and quality issues in the water crisis in Monterrey and its metropolitan areas

The present article focuses on the evaluation and design of public policies aimed at addressing the issues of water availability and quality in the water crisis affecting Monterrey and its metropolitan area. As water demand has increased due to population growth and urban development, a situation of water scarcity has emerged, posing a threat to water security and the well-being of the region. The implementation of effective public policies on water is crucial to confront this crisis. Through rigorous evaluation of water availability and quality, it becomes possible to identify problem areas and sources of contamination, enabling concrete measures to be taken for mitigation and control. Additionally, appropriate design of public policies promotes water conservation, encourages sustainable water management practices, and establishes governance mechanisms to ensure their implementation. The successful implementation of these public policies entails a range of benefits and utilities. Firstly, it ensures the provision of potable water to the population, meeting their basic needs and improving their quality of life. Moreover, it promotes the conservation of water resources, preventing their overexploitation and ensuring long-term availability. Furthermore, it prevents water pollution, preserving its quality and safeguarding the health of the inhabitants. Encouraging results have been observed as a result of the implementation of effective public policies. There has been a decrease in water scarcity and an improvement in the quality of water available for human consumption and industrial use. Additionally, citizen participation and community engagement in water management have been promoted, strengthening the region's resilience to future water challenges.

Risks and farmers' behavior change towards water conservation: a study in the Southeast of Iran

Abstract Frequent droughts in Iran have influenced farmers' social and economic lives and have entailed extensive negative consequences. This research aimed to study the process by which farmers adopt water conservation behavior and explore the intervention of perceived risks and risk attitude. This survey was conducted among farmers in the Sistan region in the southeast of Iran (N = 6,000). A sample of 361 farmers was selected by multistage cluster randomization. The research instrument was a researcher-made questionnaire whose reliability was checked by Cronbach's alpha and composite reliability in a pilot study and whose content validity was confirmed by a panel of agricultural sociologists. The data were analyzed using mean, percentage, and structural equation modeling in the SPSSwin26 and AMOS24 software suites. The results reveal that perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits, perceived barriers, self-efficacy, and cues to action influence farmers' water conservation behavior positively and significantly. Also, most components of the health belief model are influenced by farmers' perceived risks and risk attitude. It can be concluded that it is imperative to focus on socio-psychological components to promote water conservation behavior and use water scarcity-coping strategies in Iran.

Water Conservation Implications Based on Tempo-Spatial Characteristics of Water Footprint in the Water-Receiving Areas of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project, China

In order to continuously promote water conservation efforts to alleviate the pressure of water diversion, water footprint (WF) is used as an effective tool to measure water utilization in the water-receiving areas of the Middle Route and Eastern Route of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project (SNWDP). The tempo-spatial variations of WF and spatial equilibrium of water footprint intensity (WFI) in the study area are quantified using the Mann–Kandle trend test, Sen’s slope, and Dagum Gini coefficient decomposition method for the years of 2005–2020. The results show that WF has a significant decreasing trend (Sen’s slop < 0, significant level < 0.05) in 17 cities in the study area, whereas WF shows a significant increasing trend (Sen’s slop > 0, significant level < 0.05) in 10 cities. Cities in the water-receiving areas are categorized into three types based on the contribution of the water utilization sector to changes in WF as follows: agriculture water-dominated city (AD), domestic and ecological water-dominated city (DED), and virtual water trade-dominated city (VWTD). Accordingly, targeted water conservation recommendations are made for these three kinds of cities, and it is suggested that AD, DED, and VWTD cities need to focus on advanced irrigation technologies, water reuse, and trade restructuring, respectively. The overall Gini coefficient of WFI fluctuates between 0.219 and 0.267 in the water-receiving areas of the Middle Route, which is dominated by the differences in city level. However, it fluctuates between 0.412 and 0.278 in the water-receiving areas of the Eastern Route, which is dominated by the differences in provincial level. Accordingly, water conservation hotspots are determined at the city level in the Middle Route and at the provincial level in the Eastern Route with different water management policies. These results provide a scientific support for water conservation management in the water-receiving areas of the SNWDP, as well as a methodological reference for the tempo-spatial characteristics of WF and their implications for water conservation.

AI in precision agriculture: A review of technologies for sustainable farming practices

Precision agriculture, facilitated by advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI), has emerged as a transformative paradigm in modern farming. This review comprehensively examines the integration of AI technologies in precision agriculture to enhance sustainability and optimize farming practices. The paper synthesizes recent research and developments in AI applications, covering key areas such as crop monitoring, resource management, decision support systems, and automation. The adoption of AI-driven techniques, including machine learning, computer vision, and sensor technologies, is reshaping traditional farming methods by providing farmers with real-time data and actionable insights. Crop monitoring applications utilize satellite imagery, drones, and ground-based sensors to assess plant health, detect diseases, and optimize irrigation strategies. AI-driven decision support systems empower farmers to make informed choices based on data-driven predictions, weather forecasts, and historical patterns, contributing to resource-efficient practices and minimizing environmental impact. Resource management is a critical aspect of sustainable farming, and AI plays a pivotal role in optimizing the use of water, fertilizers, and pesticides. Smart irrigation systems, enabled by AI algorithms, ensure precise and efficient water distribution, reducing water wastage and promoting water conservation. AI-driven analysis of soil conditions helps farmers tailor fertilization practices, enhancing nutrient utilization and minimizing environmental runoff. The review also explores the role of AI in automating farming operations through robotics and autonomous vehicles. These technologies not only alleviate labor shortages but also improve efficiency in planting, harvesting, and crop maintenance. Additionally, the integration of AI fosters connectivity in agriculture, enabling seamless communication between devices, sensors, and farming equipment. As precision agriculture continues to evolve, the review highlights challenges and future prospects. Ethical considerations, data security, and the digital divide in rural areas are among the challenges that need attention. Moreover, the paper discusses potential avenues for further research, emphasizing the need for interdisciplinary collaboration to address the complex issues associated with the sustainable implementation of AI in precision agriculture. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the transformative impact of AI in precision agriculture, offering insights into current technologies, challenges, and future directions. The integration of AI not only enhances productivity and efficiency but also contributes to the long-term sustainability of farming practices, ensuring food security in the face of a growing global population.

Can the Process of Evaluation and Recognition Effectively Promote Water Conservation in Cities? Evidence from China

Water-saving construction is a crucial technique for China to address water resource scarcity and tackle the water-use issues. Can evaluation and recognition result in urban water-saving construction, and can it produce a more effective water-saving effect with the help of smart city construction? Based on the unbalanced panel data of prefecture-level cities in China from 2006 to 2019, this paper empirically discusses the impact of China’s National Water-saving City Selection on urban water conservation by using the multi-time point difference-in-differences method, and on this basis, it includes the consideration of smart city construction, so as to investigate the strengthening role of urban digital management in urban water-saving construction. The findings show the following: (1) the National Water-saving City Selection has significantly improved water conservation in the evaluated cities, and it has contributed to the positive effect via direct and indirect channels. (2) The water-saving effect generated by the policy varies with the total urban water supply or the number of people with a higher education in the city. (3) The implementation of the smart city pilot policy has significantly strengthened the city’s existing water-saving construction, and a further mechanism analysis shows that it not only strengthens the existing direct impact channels but also compensates for past construction shortcomings.