532 ITU‐T's Technical Reports and Specifications Recent advances in technology and interconnectedness, once appropriately harnessed, can foster the conditions needed to promote sustainable water resource management in the face of rapid urbanization, water scarcity and climate change. This will enable cities to conduct the following tasks: Collect easily real‐time data and measurements through sensor networks and low‐cost innovative communications and protocols. Make better informed decisions through the use of advanced analytics which translate the raw data into actionable intelligence. Improve the efficiency, performance and optimization of infrastructure through real‐time management systems. The traditional independent system approach to urban water supply, wastewater disposal and storm water management will no longer be able to endure the increasing pressures faced by the water sector. However, the co‐ordination of multiple sectors through SWM networks can contribute to ensure the sustainability of urban water management system. Through connectivity, SWM networks can allow water, wastewater and storm water information to be extracted and integrated into other data sources such as climate analysis and weather intelligence, thus facilitating a holistic management approach to overcome the pressures and challenges faced by the system. Figure 21 illustrates some of the SWM tools that play a role in water distribution control systems. Source: Hitachi (2014).39 Figure 21 – Smart water management tools SWM also generates economic, social, and environmental benefits through water resource sustainability, which, in turn, contributes to the comfort, security and well‐being of urban residents. Some of the benefits associated to water and wastewater management include: Economic savings: SWM tools can greatly reduce non‐revenue water by identifying leaks and illegal connection, regaining revenue necessary to maintain the infrastructure. SWM enables sustainable water use, thereby reducing the amount of water abstracted, treated and distributed which reduces operational costs.