INDUSTRY 4.0 AND WATER INDUSTRY: A SOUTH AFRICAN PERSPECTIVE AND READINESS

摘要

South Africa has been classified as a water scarce nation with an average rainfall of 450mm per annum, this is 50% of the global average. In the 21st century digital technology is enhancing data collection and analytics facilitating proactive decision making and increase efficiencies. South African municipalities are losing up to 36% of water mainly due to pipe leaks and theft. A significant challenge for the water section in the country. The current challenges facing the global water industry are also not peculiar to the South African water industry. It is expected that industry 4.0 technologies will address some challenges facing the water industry. This paper presents a general overview of the South African water industry, the challenges facing the water industry and the position of South Africa, among the water stress countries by 2040. The paper takes a close look at the Fourth Industrial Revolution from a Water 4.0 point of view and identifies selected technologies for the water industry of the future. Based on literature, the findings in this paper includes, the South African water industry readiness for the water of the future "Water 4.0". This includes identifying limitations of Water 4.0 technologies. This paper also aims to answer the research question "Is South Africa ready for Water 4.0 paradigm shift - moving from the traditional water system to digitalize water system?". Finally, this paper presents recommendations for Water 4.0 and future work on Water 4.0 in South Africa.