From challenges to innovation: Expert insights on the use of Information and Communication Technologies to improve water security and river basin management

Abstract Background: The growing pressure on water resources, combined with climate change, population growth, and the intensification of multiple water uses, have increased the need for more efficient, integrated, and intelligent monitoring and management systems. In this context, Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), especially those associated with Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), Big Data, and remote sensing, hold great potential for improving water security. This study aims at identifying, based on water management experts’ perspectives, the main challenges, problems, and demands to propose innovative ICT applications aimed at improving water resource monitoring, being the Piracicaba, Capivari, and Jundiaí (PCJ) river basins the research reference. Method: This qualitative research was conducted through semi-structured interviews with 30 experts working in water resources management across various sectors, including water and wastewater companies, public agencies, river basin agencies, universities, research centres, and nonprofit organizations. The data were analysed using thematic analysis. Results: Five key themes representing challenges and demands to improve water security were identified: data governance, data analysis, water governance, environmental education, and research, development, and innovation. From the identification of these challenges, 25 insights representing technological applications were systematized. Conclusion: It can be concluded that information and communication technologies offer significant potential to enhance water resource management towards a future of water security.