Pernille Ingildsen – författare

Today there is increasing pressure on the water infrastructure and although unsustainable water extraction and wastewater handling can continue for a while, at some point water needs to be managed in a way that is sustainable in the long-term.  We need to handle water utilities “smarter”.New and effective tools and technologies are becoming available at an affordable cost and these technologies are steadily changing water infrastructure options.  The quality and robustness of sensors are increasing rapidly and their reliability makes the automatic handling of critical processes viable. Online and real-time control means safer and more effective operation.The combination of better sensors and new water treatment technologies is a strong enabler for decentralised and diversified water treatment. Plants can be run with a minimum of personnel attendance.  In the future, thousands of sensors in the water utility cycle will handle all the complexity in an effective way.Smart Water Utilities: Complexity Made Simple provides a framework for Smart Water Utilities based on an M-A-D (Measurement-Analysis-Decision).  This enables the organisation and implementation of “Smart” in a water utility by providing an overview of supporting technologies and methods.The book presents an introduction to methods and tools, providing a perspective of what can and could be achieved. It provides a toolbox for all water challenges and is essential reading for the Water Utility Manager, Engineer and Director and for Consultants, Designers and Researchers.

Achieving true wholesome sustainability requires a change of heart. Hence this book starts in the heart. It asks the timely question of ‘how do we become true water stewards?’ The transformation to a new sustainable practice will be made through a new connection with our heart, a more holistic type of analysis (brains) and the right actions based on personal integrity (hand). A water steward should be similar to the shepherds of olden days. They were given the responsibility to guard the sheep. The village trusted they would take care of the flock, make sure it would be well fed, protected from storms and kept together. The shepherd learned to take a long term perspective for the flock, ensuring that the pastures were not overgrazed, that the flock was not led too far away from access to water and that shelter was in reach in the event of storms and dangerous predators. Over time the shepherds became increasingly skilled in caring for the flock. They integrated the responsibility of the well-being of the flock into their identity.In a similar way, we can take the responsibility for human water consumption and our interaction with the natural world. We need to understand and work according to the big picture and the very long term perspective. Being a water steward requires deep reflection of how water should be treated and our relationship with water. Water utility professionals have the knowledge and have been trusted with the role of managing human water consumption. This is a great responsibility and requires deep reflection of how this should be done. The book will present ideas and concepts for the new role as well as questions for personal reflection.

As our planet faces increasing challenges from sustainability-related crises such as droughts, floods and deteriorating water quality, the demand for resilient and eco-intelligent water systems has never been more pressing. This book is a much-needed guide for professionals in the water sector exploring how to navigate the intersections between sustainability, leadership, and project management. It is an essential blueprint for professionals ready to reshape the future of water.Equipped with decades of cumulative expertise in project management and environmental sustainability, the authors present a comprehensive framework for leading complex water-related projects with a commitment to making enduring contributions to the future of the water industry everywhere. This manual provides essential knowledge and fosters an appreciation for water stewardship and sustainability, emphasising the delicate balance between human needs and natural water ecosystem needs.Through a series of exercises, readers are encouraged to reflect on their project management practices and develop a personal leadership philosophy grounded in sustainability. The book offers practical strategies for systematic project execution suited for real-world applicability. It enables readers to foster cohesive team dynamics and achieve remarkable outcomes through co-creative work.The responsibility for pro-active handling of current and future sustainability crises lies to a great extent with water professionals. This book is a ‘call to action’ to elevate your professional value and make a tangible, positive difference in the world. Join us on this journey towards a better, more sustainable future, one project at a time.