Role of Internet of Things and Artificial Intelligence in Water Distribution Networks

Non-revenue water (NRW) entails serious problems for water distribution networks (WDNs), including contamination, leakage, unauthorized use, and inefficient invoicing. These issues lead to large financial losses and operational inefficiencies. This work investigates and focuses on Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies involving WDNs that could be employed for monitoring NRW distribution. According to the analysis, NRW resulting from contamination, unauthorized connections, and unpaid water bills causes water companies to lose a substantial amount of money. In the water industry, the implementation, utilization, and installation of IoT–AI technologies can help decision-making, improve sustainable development, develop innovative products and services, and find solutions. Furthermore, IoT technologies and protocols can assist the water sector in reducing NRW, improving WDN management and operations, and identifying key challenges, including sensor reliability, communication constraints, cybersecurity concerns, scalability issues, and cost-effectiveness in practical deployment. This study offers an integrated analysis of IoT technologies, AI techniques, communication protocols, and NRW management strategies within a unified WDN perspective to earlier review articles that independently concentrate on leakage detection, IoT frameworks, or AI applications. Lastly, the study’s originality depends on its ability to show how theoretical advancements and technologies can be commercialized in cost-effective smart water distribution systems, contributing to the advancement of resilient urban water infrastructure and smart city development.