296 ITU‐T's Technical Reports and Specifications Supervisory Control And Data Management (SCADA) systems when incorporated in water management systems are computer‐controlled systems which contain large communication systems that permit the monitoring and control water treatment and distribution as well as wastewater collection and treatment. The system allows for supervision through data acquisition and management with the ability to process and send commands within the system. The communication system may involve radio, direct wired connections or telemetry. Its dynamic network can allow for weather forecast model inputs as well as hydraulic model system optimization. Figure 54 – SCADA software the Western Municipal Water District (WMWD), California Source: http://www.automationworld.com/sites/default/files/styles/lightbox/public/field/image/120723scada_ web.png?itok=IlXV7wPd Utilities have been using SCADA systems for higher‐level applications; such as determining times of peak water use, identifying potential system leaks, setting billing rates etc. SCADA systems have even reduced the operating costs of utilities and have improved the delivery water distribution to the residential and businesses and industry. The monitoring aspect of SCADA systems also helps utilities to protect their infrastructure and prevent severe degradation. In 2013, implementation of SCADA has seen 30% savings on energy used to manage water systems, 20% reduction on water loss and 20% reduction in disruption. Applying SCADA in an urban system also can see the enhancement of disaster preparedness through storm water management or support the remote operation and monitoring of major dams and weirs. Models, optimization tools and decision support Model based water management has evolved over the years to improve the quality and quantity of global water supply through comprehensive modelling applications. These modelling software incorporate to some extent processes observed in the real world (through equations, algorithms and scenarios) and contain various data reporting and visualization tools useful for interpreting results from water distribution piping systems, water quality monitoring data, wastewater management systems etc. for decision support. Urban water managers have used many models such as MikeURBAN, Aquacycle, AISUWRS, and UGROW etc.