Chapter 3 Decision Support Model (IUWS-DSM) - Tubdok

94 New Conception and Decision Support Model for IUWS
Nonetheless, GIS software is usually very expensive. Instead, other free internet maps, e.g.
Google Earth 1 , can be integrated in the IUWS-DSM. Moreover, the IUWS-DSM should be
able to be used or communicated by/with other software of water systems, so that the results
can be shared and directly used.
Water treatment methods are very diverse containing a large number of treatment trains
and techniques. Because the IUWS-DSM is the tool for designing urban water systems in the
early stage, the treatment processes are simplified into certain steps. In future, more
concrete treatment trains and units can be added in based on the treatment steps. Then the
model is able to reach more detailed design, which makes the model better capable for the
next planning stage.
Visualisation of water quality is a worthy enhancement for the model as well, especially
when digital maps are available. In each water entity, the water quality should be traced and
labelled along the conveying system, whereby the possible pollution points are automatically
highlighted. For better monitoring the variation of urban water quality, certain pollutants can
be chosen and traced. It helps to picture the complete view of urban water systems and
consequently, the better administrative strategy can be figured out.
Visualisation of energy consumption on the map is another potential direction development.
In the context of the IUWS, energy flow provides the overall view of how energy use
distributes, and how different the energy consumption is between different system options.
Such overall pictures are also valuable for the public utilities of the electricity department.
4.5 Prospect of further research for IUWSs
Today, it has been realised that managing urban water as an integrated system is the
inevitable direction. Nevertheless, there is still a lack of mature conception, models and
experience of how to consider and deal with all urban water subsystems within one
integrated system. In general, some further research work is advised as follows:
� EUWUP can be further developed into the benchmark to assess and optimise water suage.
� the governance of urban water facilities is another hot topic which is also widely discussed
and trailed. Therefore, it can and should be involved in the management of IUWS.
� the effects of water price to water usage can be involved.
� the influence of climate change on IUWS should be investigated and determined.
� the seasonal or monthly water flocculation can be included considering both water demand
and water resources.
� the emission of green-house gas from urban water systems can be involved.
The scientific research of IUWSs starts to be executed worldwide. This research conceives
new thoughts and methodologies, which could act as the footstone for further
investigations, and which could inspire other researchers to explore further. A prototype of
DSM for IUWS is correspondingly established, which can be the initial tool for designing
IUWS, and which could promote other researchers to progress further.
1 http://earth.google.com/