| Title |
Technical Advancements Needed for the Introduction of Distributed Water Infrastructure to Urban Wastewater Management Systems |
| Authors |
최용주 ( Yongju Choi ) ; 이우람 ( Wooram Lee ) |
| DOI |
https://doi.org/10.15681/KSWE.2023.39.1.76 |
| Keywords |
Decentralization; Infrastructure; Sustainability; Urban water system; Water management |
| Abstract |
We are on the verge of paradigm shift for the design and operation of our urban water systems from treatment- and efficiency-based to recirculation- and sustainability-based. One of the most frequently suggested alternatives to embody this paradigm shift is to decentralize the currently highly centralized urban water infrastructure. However, claims for water infrastructure decentralization are often criticized due to poor economic feasibility, unstable performance, and unprofessional operation and maintenance. The current study critically reviews the literature to discuss the technical advancement needs to overcome such challenges. Firstly, decentralized water infrastructure was briefly defined and the rationale for the proposal of its introduction to the next-generation urban water systems was laid down. The main discussion focused on the following water technologies, which require special attention when working with decentralized water infrastructure: i) material collection, storage, and transport; ii) easily scalable water treatment; iii) sensor, information, and communications; and iv) system optimization. The principles, current development status, and challenges were discussed for each of the water technologies. The discussion on the water technologies has enabled the identification of future research needs for their application to the next-generation urban water systems which will be designed following decentralized water infrastructure. This paper will significantly improve the current understanding on water infrastructure decentralization and provides insight on future direction of water technology development. |