IWUNET

Inteligent Water Use Network

More than 1,300 million people worldwide receive water intermittently in their homes. Due to climate change, 2,400 million people will live in areas areas affected by water scarcity. IWUNET* helps us improve their quality of life.
*IWUNET technology is protected by the the Spanish Patent and Trademark Office

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IWUNET
Inteligent Water Use Network

IWUNET is a device that helps manage water at home when the supply is intermittent and provides information to improve the operation of an intermittent water distribution system (IWDS).

1

How does intermittent water supply affect people?

When the water service is intermittent, household activities must be adapted to the water availability in the supply network, as water must be collected and stored at home for later use during periods of shortage. If the house does not have a cistern or elevated tank connected to the supply network, water collection must be done manually. This means that a family member is responsible for cleaning the water containers, filling them and storing them properly. The quality of water stored at home deteriorates quickly if the containers are not properly maintained or if the IWDS supplies poor quality water, putting the health of the household members at risk.
2

Why does the quality of water deteriorate in an IWDS?

When the supply is stopped, the pipes lose pressure and untreated water can enter the SDI from the outside through leaks and fissures. If there are deficiencies in the design of the pipe network, even sewage or industrial wastewater can contaminate the SDI. The continuous wetting and drying effect on some components of the supply network accelerates their oxidation and the release of metals such as cadmium. The water retained in dead zones of the SDI promotes the growth of pathogenic microorganisms such as Mycobacterium or Sphingomonas that are well adapted to these conditions. When the operation of the SDI is restored after a supply cut, the circulating water picks up these pathogens and impurities and transports them to users' water reservoirs.
3

How does IWUNET help manage water at home?

Experts recommend purging the pipes for several minutes before using water from an IWDS. This process cannot be done in cisterns and tanks permanently connected to the network. IWUNET autonomously detects pressure changes in the supply network. When the water service is restored, IWUNET initially diverts the water to a drain or a secondary tank. This low-quality water can be used for non-direct consumption purposes: household cleaning, garden irrigation, toilets. When a clean water supply is guaranteed, IWUNET directs the flow to the main storage tank and maintains its level as long as there is pressure in the network. When the water supply ends, IWUNET closes the connection to the storage tanks to prevent the return of water from the network. IWUNET can be manually activated and deactivated as needed and allows remote monitoring of its operating status and the amount of water received at home via a mobile phone or computer.
4

Why is it difficult to manage an IWDS?

Managing an SDI is challenging because, when the supply starts, there is a high demand for water, leading to a loss of pressure in the pipes. Water is not distributed evenly in the SDI. Some users receive all the water they need while others receive none. Satellite tanks can be built to manage the supply by zones in the city, but the unequal distribution of water still occurs within these subnetworks. Inequity in access to water affects areas where people with lower economic resources live and exacerbates other socioeconomic disparities, negatively impacting their quality of life.
5

How does IWUNET help manage an IWDS?

IWUNET collects and sends operating data to a central server, generating a georeferenced record of pressure changes and water volumes collected in each home. This information can create precise maps of water distribution in the IWDS to improve its management. IWUNET can be programmed to modify demand patterns and regulate system pressure to favor a more equitable distribution of water among users.
6

How can IWUNET technology be used for other purposes?

We can adapt IWUNET technology to different situations, even for water rationing in continuously operating systems. Although the device is designed for home use, we can scale the technology for use in educational centers, industries, and public or private buildings in general. IWUNET is useful in emergency situations that require controlling water distribution in an improvised network, such as in a refugee camp.

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How can I contribute or collaborate with IWUNET?

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1

I am a researcher. How can I collaborate in the development of IWUNET?

IWUNET has been developed by researchers who value collaboration among peers. We can provide a limited number of IWUNET devices for laboratory or field tests to demonstrate their usefulness under various conditions. We would like to learn about your research areas and your project.
2

I am a student. How can I participate in IWUNET?

Are you interested in technological development or potable water supply networks? Do you think that technology can help us improve people's living conditions and adapt to the consequences of climate change? You can participate by undertaking an undergraduate or master's thesis related to the development, implementation, use or management of IWUNET. Tell us your proposal so we can assist you.
3

I am an investor. How can I invest in IWUNET?

So far, the development of IWUNET has been self-financed, but we recognize the need for additional funding sources to make this tool available to everyone who needs it. If you want to help finance this project and ensure that IWUNET reaches all its potential users, contact us to learn about our business plans.
4

I am a non-profit organization. How can I include IWUNET in my projects?

The idea for IWUNET stems from the experience of living in a city with intermittent water supply for over eight years. Our technology aligns with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal number six. IWUNET technology can be easily modified to reduce costs and enable implementation in projects with limited resources. Tell us about your organization and your project so we can explore how we can collaborate together.
5

I am a user. How can I install IWUNET in my home?

The IWUNET device is easy to install in existing cisterns and tanks. It can also be used if your water tank is not permanently connected to the network, functioning like a common faucet but automating water collection and storage. In special cases, we can design a specific solution tailored to your home's needs. Reserve your device and receive regular updates on the development of IWUNET.
6

I am a water distribution company. How can I implement IWUNET in my network?

We can provide the IWUNET devices you need and offer guidance on installation and maintenance processes. IWUNET can be rented to network users as a water meter. We handle the collection, processing, and accessibility of network information for both users and SDI managers. Tell us your needs, and we will get in touch with more information.

the team

Jon Molinero
Jon
Researcher

biologist with 20 year experience in aquatic ecology and water quality.

Elisabteh Valencia
Elisabeth
Sociologist

with experience in social media management and digital marketing.

Mingo Curto
Mingo
Technologist

with experience in technological development, programming and automation.