Smart water management is at the forefront of urban infrastructure’s digital transformation. With cutting-edge technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT), big data, and cloud computing, smart water systems are revolutionizing urban drainage management, and enhancing efficiency and responsiveness. According to a report by Qianzhan.com, China’s smart water industry is projected to reach a market size of 15 billion yuan by 2027.
Smart Drainage: The New Backbone of Urban Infrastructure
Smart drainage systems integrate precise monitoring, dynamic control, and intelligent scheduling, combining information technology, automation, and artificial intelligence. One standout example is Wenzhou City’s “Smart Drainage” platform, which centralizes data from drainage networks, pumping stations, and treatment plants, creating a cohesive management system.
However, smart drainage faces challenges:
- Systematic Planning Gaps: Many cities lack unified standards and clear implementation goals.
- Funding Limitations: Insufficient financial and social capital hinders large-scale construction.
- Technical Bottlenecks: Issues with data integration, intelligence, and application scenarios slow progress.
Current Challenges in Urban Drainage Networks
Urban drainage networks in China handle dual tasks: managing sewage and draining rainwater. Yet, rapid urbanization has led to aging infrastructure and management issues, such as:
| Challenges | Details |
| High Costs | Elevated expenses for purification, maintenance, and equipment repairs. |
| Arbitrary Management | Lack of standard processes for scheduling, emergency response, and drainage rules. |
| Weak Pre-Intervention | Insufficient early warning systems for flooding, sewage overflow, or treatment plant output quality. |
| Locating Problems | Difficulty identifying sources of pollution or network inefficiencies. |
| Low Efficiency | Poor coordination of personnel, vehicles, and materials, slowing response times. |
Building Smart Drainage Systems
Smart drainage aims to optimize planning, decision-making, and operations using IoT-enabled systems. Key components include:
- Front-End Perception Systems: Sensors to monitor drainage systems.
- Data Engineering: Consolidation and processing of system data.
- Application Software: Tools for decision-making, supervision, and mobile access.
- Duty Centers: Hubs for real-time management and response.
Real-World Innovations
Cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou lead the way in smart drainage, setting benchmarks for the nation. For instance, Guangzhou’s “Smart Drainage” project integrates AI with a visual command platform, monitoring 140,000 video feeds to identify waterlogging points and accelerate emergency responses.
Despite these successes, challenges such as regional disparities and underdeveloped technologies persist, emphasizing the need for stronger policies and funding support.
Spotlight on Regional Successes
East China: A Leader in Smart Drainage
Provinces in East China leverage advanced technologies like digital twins and GIS to enhance the intelligence of drainage systems. Notable projects include:
- Taizhou Jiaojiang District (Zhejiang)
This platform integrates IoT, GIS, and digital twin technology to manage sewage and rainwater systems intelligently.
| Province/City | Policies/Plans | Typical Projects |
| Shanghai | Urban Digital Transformation Plan (2021-2023) | Xinjing Port Digital Twin Exploration |
| Jiangsu | Wastewater Utilization Implementation Plan | Tongshan Digital Twin Smart Drainage System |
| Fujian | Water Quality Improvement Plan (2024-2025) | Pinghe County Smart Drainage System |
| Shandong | Green Development Policy List (2024) | Qingdao Smart Water Management Platform |
| Jiangxi | Drainage Pipeline Management Guidelines | Jiujiang GIS Drainage System |
Regional Innovations in Smart Drainage: Policies and Projects Across China
North China: Revitalizing Aging Systems
North China emphasizes updating old drainage networks, enhancing rainwater-sewage separation, and building advanced information platforms. The focus is on flood control, with cities like Beijing and Tianjin leading transformative efforts.
Case Study: Tongzhou District Drainage Improvement Project (Beijing)
- Policy: “Beijing Three-Year Action Plan for Urban and Rural Water Environment Governance (2023-2025)”
- Features: Comprehensive upgrades to old pipe networks, boosting the combined drainage capacity for rainwater and sewage.
- Impact: A model for urban renewal, addressing infrastructure aging and enhancing flood resilience.
| Province/City | Policies/Plans | Key Projects |
| Tianjin | “Tianjin Drainage Special Plan (2020-2035)” | Digital twin exploration at Xinjing Port |
| Hebei | Urban Waterlogging Governance Plan | Urban drainage and flood prevention platform |
Central China: Ecological Governance Meets Smart Technology
Central China integrates smart drainage with ecological sustainability. The region prioritizes watershed management, precise drainage systems, and the sponge city model for natural water absorption and flood mitigation.
Case Study: Puyang Intelligent Drainage Platform (Henan)
- Policy: Henan’s “Urban Drainage and Sewage Treatment Regulations”
- Features: Real-time monitoring of pumping stations, sewage plants, and pipe networks for precise management.
- Impact: A shining example of data-driven drainage management in Central China.
| Province/City | Policies/Plans | Key Projects |
| Hubei | Science and Technology Development Plan | Huangxiaohe Airport River Control Platform |
| Hunan | Digital Housing and Urban-Rural Development Plan (2023) | Dawangshan Sponge City Drainage Model |
South China: Strengthening Flood Resilience
Tropical climates and dense urban areas make flood control a top priority in South China. Smart drainage projects focus on rapid response, advanced monitoring, and integrated management systems.
Case Study: Guangzhou Smart Drainage Project (Guangdong)
- Policy: “Technical Specifications for Smart Drainage Construction”
- Features: A unified “one-map” management system connects all drainage data and systems.
- Impact: A national benchmark, resolving Guangzhou’s complex flood prevention challenges and setting standards for urban drainage.
| Province/City | Policies/Plans | Key Projects |
| Hainan | Smart Hainan Overall Plan (2020-2025) | Sanya Smart Drainage System |
Southwest China: Adapting to Complex Terrains
The southwest focuses on overcoming challenging terrains and watershed management. Smart drainage projects here emphasize systematic platforms and holistic water governance.
Case Study: Chongqing Urban Smart Drainage Platform
- Policy: “14th Five-Year Plan” for Drainage Facilities Development
- Features: Real-time visualization for flood prevention and plant-network monitoring tailored to mountainous cities.
- Impact: A comprehensive smart platform aligning with the region’s geographical complexities.
| Province/City | Policies/Plans | Key Projects |
| Sichuan | New Infrastructure Construction Plan (2020-2022) | Xindu District Drainage Informatization Project |
| Yunnan | Urban Wastewater Treatment Plan for the “14th Five-Year” | Euthronic Lake Basin Quality Improvement Project |
Northeast China: Innovations for Cold Climates
In Northeast China, projects focus on drainage detection and renewing aging systems to address the unique challenges of harsh winters.
Case Study: Harbin Smart Drainage Management System
- Policy: “Opinions on Enhancing Drainage and Waterlogging Management”
- Features: Development of multifunctional dredging robots to improve system safety and efficiency.
- Impact: A breakthrough in drainage detection technology adapted to cold-weather conditions.
| Province/City | Policies/Plans | Key Projects |
| Liaoning | Urban Waterlogging Control Guidelines | Shenyang Economic Zone Drainage Network Renewal |
| Jilin | “14th Five-Year Plan” for Urban Drainage Development | Siping City Intelligent Drainage Platform |
Nationwide Trends and Focus Areas
Policy-Level Focus
Urban waterlogging prevention and wastewater reuse have become central objectives. Provinces are crafting specialized policies aligned with the “14th Five-Year Plan,” focusing on:
- Upgrading urban drainage systems.
- Improving sewage treatment efficiency.
- Preventing and mitigating urban waterlogging.
- Establishing smart water platforms.
Project-Level Insights
The approach to smart drainage varies by region:
- Old Pipe Networks: Tianjin, Liaoning, and Chongqing prioritize modernization.
- Digital Twins: Shanghai, Jiangsu, and Fujian lead with intelligent platforms and GIS integration.
- Flood Prevention: Chongqing and Hebei focus on advanced monitoring systems.
- Ecological Management: Yunnan emphasizes improving the quality of the lake basin.
China’s smart drainage initiatives highlight a dynamic blend of policy direction and technological innovation. From precision monitoring in Central China to advanced flood management in the south, regional efforts collectively drive efficient, sustainable, and smart urban water management. These advancements are crucial for enhancing urban resilience and ecological governance in the face of rapid urbanization and climate challenges.