The present invention relates to a system for controlling water levels, flow rates and water quality in a watercourse network, in particular to a system for use within a river basin.

Water resources are becomingly increasingly scarce in many environments across the world during periods of low rainfall and/or high abstraction. Conversely, floods are becoming increasingly problematic during periods of high rainfall, due largely to changes in weather patterns, changes to watercourses, increased development and more efficient agricultural processes. Water courses are understood to comprise rivers; aquifers; canals; streams; ditches (dry or not); ponds; floodplains and polders (dry or not), through which water may flow. A network of watercourses at a river basin level may comprise a combination of these linked in a series of flows and connecting to a main river. The OECD reported in 2013 that by 2050 more than 40% of the world's population will live under severe water stress and nearly 20% could be exposed to floods.

Since at least the early 1990s, concerns have been raised about the sustainable management of freshwater resources and increasingly the management of integrated water resources has been needed. River basin water flows need to be managed in terms of the quantity, quality and timing of the water needed in order to sustain an ecosystem and achieve the desired balance to mitigate flooding, enhance biodiversity or provide the water needed for human consumption and/or industrial processes.

The over- and under-provision of water within a river basin impacts in distinct ways. During flooding, damage can be caused to people, structures, systems and the natural environment. It is also often the case that downstream communities are given insufficient time to respond to flood events, particularly in the case of flash floods. During periods of low rainfall, biodiversity within watercourses can become stressed or worse still, irrevocably damaged. Fish and eels may find it difficult, for example, to reach their spawning grounds or to migrate out to sea, these situations being worsened by the often current usage of water control devices which prevent the safe passage of fish and eels. Furthermore, water supply for water companies and other abstractors can become insufficient to satisfy demand and costly because of the necessary purification processes as pollutants become more concentrated within the lower water volumes. Certain water-based processes, for example the extraction of shale gas through bracking', can also be restricted by insufficient freshwater supply and difficult means of creating flow-back of treated water into watercourses. Another example of the effects of under-provision of freshwater in the environment is where groundwater levels are allowed to fall and this can have detrimental effects to the environment and can also allow the intrusion of seawater into aquifers along coastal areas.

In order to combat these flood problems, very large, costly and unattractive permanent flood defences are often employed. Such defences are often constructed downstream on main rivers, providing protection to a specific developed area, with design based on a prior evaluation of the catchment area using hydrological computer modelling of future weather and flood conditions, thus building in sufficient capacity whether or not it is used. It is also sometimes the case that surplus river flow is controlled using upstream water control devices, for example weirs, to slow river flow, but this is an inexact method of control. Other methods are increasingly being used to allow the natural environment to assist in downstream flood mitigation, for example by reconnecting rivers to floodplains and by diverting river flows into storage areas, for example additional wetlands and retention ponds. Such methods are shown to have a positive effect on flood mitigation, but their success is limited by the reliance on the aggregation of a series of individual, local actions in order to achieve basin-wide objectives. Finally, as an example of current flood mitigation measures, upstream dams are sometimes constructed to create permanent retention areas for flood waters, but these are very costly and have a significant permanent impact on the surrounding environment. All these measures are to a greater or lesser degree uncontrolled and their success in flood mitigation can vary significantly depending on the prevailing weather and hydrological conditions.

With regards to solving known water supply problems, freshwater suppliers have built dams and reservoirs to store runoff; brought in water supplies from other areas; and abstracted more groundwater. These solutions all have undesirable costs and adverse environmental impact.

The difficulties of planning and controlling freshwater networks are exacerbated by the unpredictability of the weather and specifically precipitation. Despite the growth of more accurate computer modelling, medium and long term weather forecasting is still imprecise and this makes it difficult to plan water services. One impact is that water companies maintain a water supply 'headroom' or contingency against their water abstraction rights and if this is not used then a significant volume of water is not available for use by the rest of the community.

Others have offered solutions to these general types of problems. CN102156914 describes a system to co-operatively and optimally allocate the water volume in a non-flood season. WO2013/026731 Al describes a system for optimising operation of a water network.

It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to seek to alleviate the above identified problems.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system for optimising the hydrological performance of water within a watercourse network, the system comprising : -

(i) a central control system;

(ii) one or more device control means;

(iii) a plurality of sensing devices for providing watercourse information to the or each device control means; (iv) one or more water control devices for changing the hydrological performance of water in a watercourse;

(v) one or more water removal devices for removing water from a watercourse to one or more watercourses and/or one or more water storage means; and

(vi) one or more water delivery devices for delivering water between watercourses and/or one or more water storage means; wherein, in use, the central control system automatically sets the hydraulic settings for the or each water control devices, the or each water removal devices and the or each water delivery devices via the or each device control means based on data received from the plurality of sensing devices to optimise the hydrological performance of the watercourse network and/or the water storage means.

Preferably, each of the water control devices, water removal devices and water delivery devices includes a local device control means.

Preferably, optimisation of the hydrological performance of water within the watercourse network is carried out by the central control system and one or more, preferably all, of the device control means.

Preferably, optimisation of the hydrological performance of water within the watercourse network is carried out by the central control system and the device control means.

Preferably, some or all of the functions of the central control system may be distributed to a master device control means.

Preferably, the system comprises one or more master device control means with the remaining device control means being directly controlled by the one or more master device control means. In accordance with the present invention, sensor data is not sent back directly to the central control system from the sensing devices; rather communication is via the device control means. As a result, the system of the present invention can control whether or not data is provided to the central control system or whether data should be used locally by the device control means. As such, in preferred embodiments, one or more of the device control means decides whether or not data is provided to the central control system or whether data should be used locally by the device control means. This increases the resilience of the system by not overloading the central control system. In preferred embodiments, the data may only be forwarded to the central control system from the device control means once certain conditions/parameter values are reached.

Preferably, one or more device control means may communicate with the central control system via a communications hub serving one or more, preferably several device control means.

Preferably, the central control system can decide at what level within the watercourse network it needs to operate. Preferably, the central control system calculates the minimum amount of intervention needed at any one time in order to achieve water service targets.

As a result, the complete computer system does not need to be operating in full operating mode in order for the water networks to achieve targets; depending on the prevailing weather conditions and the scope of the targets, only a small part of the water network could be in operation and operated solely through the local device means. This means that the central control system and the remaining local device control means could be in standby mode with hydraulic devices operating on the basis of their last settings or in a default setting mode.

Preferably, the watercourse network comprises one or more main rivers, aquifers, canals and "ordinary" watercourses, where an "ordinary" watercourse can be defined as a watercourse that is not part of a main river and includes rivers; streams; ditches; drains; cuts; culverts; dikes; sluices; sewers (other than public sewers within the meaning of the Water Industry Act 1991) and passages, through which water flows. Furthermore, it is understood that the term "watercourses" is also intended to include water storage areas into which water can flow including ponds, floodplains and polders. It is further understood that the term "watercourses" is also intended to include underground water holding and delivery systems including aquifers, boreholes and water wells.

Preferably, the watercourse network comprises one or more naturally occurring watercourses.

Preferably, the watercourse network is enhanced through the addition of man- made water channels and pipes to connect previously unconnected naturally occurring watercourses and storage areas.

Preferably, the central control system receives information from the one or more device control means via one or more wireless communication systems forming part of the one or more device control means.

Preferably, the one or many device control means receives real-time data from the plurality of sensing devices.

It is understood that the data can be received either wirelessly or through a hard-wired connection.

Preferably, the device control means comprises a storage means for storing information from the plurality of sensing devices.

Preferably, the central control system comprises hydrological modelling and optimization sub-systems.

Preferably, data in the model is historical real data, real-time real data, and/or theoretical proxy data. Preferably, if one piece of data is missing, another is substituted. Preferably, the central control system takes into account data about both surface water and ground water (for example, under the surface including aquifers).

Preferably, the or each water control devices, the or each water removal devices and/or the or each water delivery devices, comprise one or more ground water control devices, ground water removal devices and/or ground water delivery devices.

Preferably, the central control system receives and/or stores data from external sources.

Preferably, the central control system receives and/or stores weather forecast information.

Preferably, the central control system receives and/or stores weather readings; hydrograph information; information regarding permitted abstraction rates; minimum and/or maximum water quality standards; maximum water temperatures; minimum water flow rates; minimum and/or maximum water levels; and/or historical watercourse hydrological information.

Preferably, the watercourse information derived from the plurality of sensing devices comprises one or more of water levels; water flow rate; water depth; and/or water quality readings.

Preferably, the central control system communicates remotely with one or more local device control means and with one or more water control devices; one or more water removal devices; and/or one or more water delivery devices.

Preferably, the system comprises sensing devices positioned at a plurality of locations within the watercourse network.

Preferably, the water control devices comprise one or more barriers; weirs; water valves; and/or gates. Preferably, the one or more water control devices, one or more water removal devices, and/or one or more water delivery devices are operable remotely by the central control system.

Preferably, the one or more water control devices; one or more water removal devices; one or more water storage means; and/or one or more water delivery devices are positioned at a plurality of locations within the watercourse network.

Preferably, the one or more water removal devices comprise one or more water pumps; water valves, gates; screws; water wheels; and/or siphons.

Preferably, the one or more water storage means comprise natural storage means and/or artificial storage means. However, it is particularly preferred that the one or more water storage means comprise natural and artificial (man- made) water storage means.

Preferably, the one or more water storage means comprise one or more flood plains; reservoirs; lakes; ponds; natural wetlands; constructed wetlands; polders; detention storage; pipes; and/or aquifers.

Preferably, the one or more water delivery devices comprise one or more weirs; water valves; water pumps; and/or gates.

Preferably, the one or more of the water control devices; water removal devices; and/or water delivery devices communicates with the or each of the sensing devices via one or more device control means.

Preferably, one or more of the water control devices; water removal devices; and/or water delivery devices, receives instructions from the device control means. Preferably, the central control system is configured to improve water quality within the watercourse network by directing water through wetlands or other means of water treatment and/or purification.

Preferably, the central control system is configured to improve biodiversity within the watercourse network by altering the flow rate; and/or water level; and/or water temperature; and/or water purity of water at one or more locations within the watercourse network.

Preferably, the control means is configured to reduce carbon leakage of peat lands by limiting the flow of water out from one or more peat lands and/or diverting the flow of water in the watercourse network across one or more peat lands.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for controlling the flow direction, levels and flow rates of water in a watercourse network, the method comprising the use of a system as described herein.

Within this specification embodiments have been described in a way which enables a clear and concise specification to be written, but it is intended and will be appreciated that embodiments may be variously combined or separated without parting from the invention.

Example embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying Figures 1 to 8.

Figure 1 shows schematically a system for optimising water levels in a watercourse network according to the present invention;

Figures 2A to 2F show schematic examples of how water can be removed, transferred, stored and/or delivered within the watercourse network; Figure 3 shows schematically the way the system plans the level of required water storage according to weather forecasts and water service targets;

Figure 4 shows schematically how an array of water control devices is networked according to the present invention;

Figure 5 is a graph showing how the system of the present invention improves on flood mitigation over the period of a flood event compared to a non- networked system;

Figures 6a-6c show schematically alternative arrangements for controlling device control means within a network;

Figure 7 shows the component parts of a local system ; and

Figure 8 is a flow diagram showing an example scenario in accordance with the present invention.

The present invention relates to systems and methods for controlling the water storage, delivery, replenishment, extraction, quality, flow direction, water levels and water flow rates within a watercourse network within all or part of a river basin, that is, a natural watercourse network whose performance is altered by the employment of man-made devices, structures and water storage means.

That part of the total river basin which constitutes the water network over which the system provides control is referred to as the network catchment area (25).

Referring to Figure 1, water control systems and methods comprise two parts, the first being a central control system (1) and the second being one or more water flow devices located within the enhanced watercourse network and controlled by the central control system (1). The central control system (1) controls an array of water flow devices, each device designed to sequentially control the flow of water from one part of the watercourse network to another in such a timely manner as to influence particular hydrological characteristics of the network; for example, the water level at a particular point on a main river. Moreover, the central control system (1) is able to optimise the control of the watercourse network in order to influence the hydrological performance of the network catchment area. The ability of the central control system (1) to control the array of water control devices therefore allows the system as a whole to achieve prescribed hydrological targets or, at least to best achieve one or a number of the targets depending on the current and anticipated climatic conditions. By so doing, the system can deliver increased benefits from the use of water than would otherwise be possible from a non-controlled system.

The invention comprises a computer-implemented hydrological modelling, optimization and instruction system. It provides automatic, real-time control of hydraulic devices located within a river catchment area. It responds to data received from sensors located in the same catchment area as well as to external information, for example weather forecasts and satellite data.

The purpose of the system is to allow the automatic optimization of water flows within a network catchment area in order to achieve targets for a range of water services, including but not limited to : flood control, flow regulation, water supply diversification, water abstraction regulation, water quality control and improvement, water table surcharging, carbon storage improvement in peat lands, biological and genetic diversity enhancement along watercourses and wetlands, and so on. Targets may be set by a range of stakeholder individuals and/or organisations, for example a flood risk authority and/or a water company and/or an industrial user of water. The system optimises the hydrological retention capacity of the natural environment by controlling flow direction, flow rates, and water levels, assisted where necessary by man-made structures and devices, to hold surplus water over periods within an annual cycle and to reuse it at the appropriate time during the cycle in order to help achieve these targets. In alternative embodiments of the present invention, the automatic instructions given to the hydraulic devices can also be overridden by manual instructions.

The implementation of such a system creates additional opportunities for the effective operation of a range of community and commercial activities, for example river water harvesting, flood water mitigation, environmental protection, shale gas bracking', hydroelectric power generation, hazardous chemical spillage control, and recreational use. It can also support biodiversity offsetting for developers.

The central control system can decide at what level within the water network it needs to operate and is able to work out the minimum amount of intervention needed at any one time in order to achieve the water service targets. As a result, the complete computer system does not need to be operating in full operating mode in order for the water networks to achieve targets; depending on the prevailing weather conditions and the scope of the targets, only a small part of the water network could be in operation and operated solely through the local device means. This means that the central control system and the remaining local device control means could be in standby mode with hydraulic devices operating on the basis of their last settings or in a default setting mode.

The central control system works on the basis of running a hydrological model of the area, whereby data in the model is either historical real data, real-time real data, or theoretical proxy data. If one piece of data is missing, another is substituted.

Data sources can be distributed across an area (which could be large) and can come from multiple sources, even where data sets may be incomplete.

The system is able to take into account data about both surface water and ground water (for example, under the surface including aquifers). Whilst it primarily controls surface water, in some embodiments, the system can also control aspects of ground water.

Additional devices and local device control means can be added or subtracted and the system will automatically adjust itself to continue optimising device settings to achieve targets.

The present invention can generate multiple water services (flood mitigation, additional water supply, raw water treatment, hydro-power, biodiversity enhancement, peat protection, salt water incursion, and so on) in order to meet a range of water service targets set by several separate stakeholders. The present invention is, therefore, able to manage a complex set of requirements and circumstances.

Referring to Figures 1 and 3, an example incorporating the embodiments of the invention is now described in terms of its stages of operation.

Stage 1

The central control system (1) takes, for example, a seven day forward view of precipitation forecasts using third party weather forecasts (30), which is illustrated in Figure 3. The impact of the forward view of precipitation forecasts will depend upon the quality and quantum of those forecasts, the quantum and speed at which ground water (31) and surface water (32) is likely to drain naturally out of the network catchment area (25), and the speed at which the existing surface water (32) can be artificially managed within the network catchment area and drained from the network catchment area to create additional storage capacity. Ground water in this example may include water in aquifers, underground storage areas, subsoil and topsoil. Surface water in this example may include watercourses and storage areas where the storage areas typically could be reservoirs, polders, floodplains, retention ponds, underground tanks, natural wetlands and constructed wetlands. The central control system (1) then interrogates a pre-established real-time hydrological model within the hydrological modelling sub-system (16) of the network area, to assess the amount of overall spare water storage capacity (33) currently in the network catchment area (25). The network catchment area (25) is typically a large agricultural area forming part of a river basin, upstream of an urban area, where significant water run-off can be collected and stored to mitigate downstream flooding. Alternatively, the network area is an upstream area close to an existing reservoir where the reservoir is connected to the network and they both form part of the water supply resource; or it may be an upstream area consisting of hilly terrain where flash floods are known to be generated ; or it may be a low- lying area close to the sea where the system is needed to keep salt water ingress away from fresh water reserves, for example in a wetland. This storage capacity is diminished by groundwater (31) and surface water (32) within the network catchment area (25). This hydrological model is a pre-established model of the river basin or part thereof, updated with data from sensing devices (13) within the network and / or third party information, for example satellite data (10). The sensing devices (13) comprise any combination of hydrological measuring instruments for ground water and surface water which typically could be water flow meters, water quality meters, water level meters, water temperature meters, water conductivity meters, and vision capture systems. On the basis of this information, the central control system (1) assesses when the network (measured as the sum total of groundwater (31), surface water (32) and spare water storage capacity (33)) needs to create additional spare capacity in order to accommodate the precipitation predicted in the weather forecast (30) and avoid, for example, flooding.

Referring to Figure 3, during the above-described first stage of the analysis, the central control system (1) maintains all water service targets (36) in equal balance. These water service targets (36) may include :

- minimum water flow rates and water levels at particular biodiversity- sensitive points on watercourses;

- maximum river levels close to flood risk areas;

- minimum water quality close to abstraction points and biodiversity sensitive points. Once the central control system (1) identifies a point in time where insufficient spare capacity can be created to accommodate additional precipitation, the water service targets (36) are altered, for example, in favour of flood mitigation (37). Where stated water service targets (36) are likely to fall outside of their target levels, the system may then prioritise certain water services over others based on pre-determined algorithms, which reflect the priority of each water service to the whole system under different circumstances and at different times during the annual water cycle. In this example, this prioritisation may then have the effect of increasing potential spare water capacity within the watercourse network.

Furthermore, once the system identifies another point in time where insufficient spare capacity can be created to accommodate additional precipitation, and the water service targets (36) cannot be altered any further, then the central control system (1) may identify a flood risk and may send out:

- firstly an advance flood warning (34); and

- secondly a flood alert (35) when spare capacity has reached zero and thereafter.

Once the central control system (1) has identified the required changes to the amount of surface water (32) in the network catchment area (25), it identifies a provisional seven day programme for changing the amount of surface water (32) in the network catchment area (25) and, if necessary, the water service targets (36). This seven day planning process is repeated, for example, on an hourly basis or at such intervals as necessitated by the rate of change in the weather forecast. Referring to Figure 4, this seven day plan is concurrently translated by the central control system (1) into water service targets (36) for local area networks (40x, 40y, 40z) within the network catchment area (25). Device instructions (43) are automatically calculated by the central control system (1) using algorithms based on the pre-modelled local area network hydrological relationship (29) between the different local area networks (40x, 40y, 40z) of the overall network in order to achieve the water service targets (36) for the network as a whole. Remarkably, the present invention allows multiple water networks (40x, 40y, 40z) to work in tandem and in real time in order to achieve a range of water service targets (36) set by a range of stakeholders (10).

A similar process of altering the priority of certain water service targets (36) takes place when ground water (31) and surface water (32) within the network catchment area (25), drops below prescribed volumes and therefore places, for example, natural habitats at risk, in which case water flows are prioritised to keep such biodiversity sensitive areas replete with water. A similar process would take place when water supply volumes drop below prescribed targets and this aspect of the water service targets (36) is prioritised.

A further example of where water service targets (36) are prioritised is when a part of the network catchment area (25) becomes polluted and the system automatically resets the water service targets (36) to prioritise the maintenance of water quality, in which case water flows can be directed through that part of the water network which is best able to retain the polluted water and help to purify it, for example, through constructed wetlands.

Stage 2

The central control system (1) then uses the provisional seven day plan as the framework within which device settings are established in order to create a finalised, optimised plan for all water devices (2, 3, 4) within the network across all seven days in order to meet water service targets (36) for the different parts of the network referred to above. The optimization sub-system (15) uses an algorithmic approach to optimising multiple device settings in order to best achieve all the relevant water service targets (36). This approach uses mathematical modelling techniques, for example neural network optimization, in order to establish a programme of changes to the device settings over, say, the forthcoming seven day period. This optimization process uses the water service targets (36), the local area network hydrological relationship (29) between adjacent local area networks (40); the local system hydrological relationship (27) between adjacent local systems (18) containing water control devices (2, 3, 4) where these water control devices typically include overflow channels, weirs, dams, sluices, barriers, and/or valves; the current device settings; and the historic performance data of the network. The relevant data from this full programme of device instructions is automatically communicated to each water control device (2, 3, 4) in the form of individual hydraulic settings to be achieved at certain points in time, for example the degree of opening of a sluice.

Referring to Figure 6a, the instructions of the programme of necessary changes may be relayed directly to water control devices (2, 3, 4) from the central control system (1) via a local device control means (14). Alternatively, as shown in Figure 6b, the instructions are relayed via a master device control means (39) to all other local device control means (14). In a third embodiment, as shown in Figure 6c, the instructions are relayed via a master device control means (39) and then to the next local device control means (14) and continuing on to the next local device control means (14).

Whereas these embodiments have shown all optimization functions being carried out by the central control system (1), alternative embodiments are possible whereby part of the optimization and instruction processes are undertaken by the local device control means (14). Optimization may also be undertaken in association with a third party system whereby a part of a water network is controlled by the computer system of a third party whose output is used by the central control system (1).

Instructions can be overridden by authorised manual input into the computer system from a computer terminal or from any wireless control device including a mobile phone.

Stage 3

Once the 'provisional' plan is in place and is being implemented, the network monitors itself using a feedback arrangement whereby the sensing devices (13) check that the provisional plan is delivering the desired hydrological results. Sensing devices (13) related to each device (2, 3, 4) or to the system as a whole send real-time sensor data (44) through a wireless communications system to the central control system (1) via a local device control means (14). The central control system (1) analyses the incoming data (6) and identifies differences between this incoming data and the anticipated data. The difference is considered on both a network wide basis as well as on a device by device basis. Only where the difference varies by a predetermined threshold of percentage variance, and/or only where any device difference varies by a predetermined threshold of percentage variance, will the system then run a further optimization routine to fine-tune the settings for devices within the network.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2, particular elements of the system are now described in more details.

Referring to Figure 2A to 2F and the watercourse network; one part of the system comprises an array of water control devices (2, 3, 4), including overflow channels, weirs, dams sluices, barriers, valves. The water control devices (2, 3, 4) are typically located on watercourses (20), for example ordinary water courses and main rivers; on water storage means (21), for example floodplains, reservoirs, lakes, ponds, wetlands (including constructed wetlands), polders, detention storage and/or aquifers; and on water transfer systems (5), for example pipes and channels. Figures 2A to 2F illustrate examples of the arrangements of water control devices (2, 3, 4), watercourses (20) and water storage means (21). This array of devices (2, 3, 4) and storage areas is often most effective when located upstream from developed areas. These devices may be existing devices or new devices designed to work within the system. Each device (2, 3, 4) is associated with sensing devices (13, 51), which could be located remote from the device as shown in Figure 7, to measure such hydrological data as water flow rate and water level height or to measure other environmental variables, for example water quality.

The devices (2, 3, 4) and/or the local device control means (14) are provided with wireless communication means to receive and send data ; a processor to control transmission of data and the receiving of instructions; an actuator (if not already installed) to allow the device to be operated automatically; and power to run these components. The devices and/or local device control means (14) are typically powered by hydroelectric, solar, battery and/or mains power. Each device (2, 3, 4) and/or local device control means (14) may also contain global positioning system (GPS) technology in order for the central control system (1) to identify the spatial position of each device (2, 3, 4) and/or local device control means (14) for hydrological modelling purposes. For smaller networks GPS technology may not be required and the spatial positioning is input manually.

As shown in Figure 1, the central control system (1) comprises a computer- implemented hydrological modelling sub-system (16). There is a common interface (8) in the central control system (1), which is created for use with the wider system and to allow the wider system to work with a range of third party products. This common interface (8) comprises computing modules which undertake all the necessary functions to allow the receipt and processing of incoming data (6) in order to create and communicate the necessary outgoing data (7) required of the system and particularly the device instructions (43). The common interface (8) also analyses and filters incoming data (6) and where necessary transforms the language of the incoming data (6) into a language which can be understood by the hydrological modelling sub-system (16). Typically, the hydrological modelling sub-system (16) is a third party product, whereas the optimization sub-system (15) and the instruction sub-system (12) are specifically developed for this system. The common interface (8) also allows each of the sub-systems (12, 15, 16) to access and deposit data to the data storage sub-system (19). The hydrological modelling sub-system (16) is populated by a relevant hydrological model of the river basin, or part thereof. The entire river basin may be too extensive to be the subject of a single central control system (1), such that a series of control systems may be employed. This series of systems is linked so that information inputs can be shared and / or report outputs can be combined. In a preferred embodiment, the hydrological modelling sub-system (16) models variable data sets, for example precipitation forecasts and water abstraction rates. These variables are automatically updated using third party information inputs, for example weather readings, weather forecasts, historical river flow data, licensed river water abstraction quotas, real time river abstraction rates, satellite data on soil saturation, and so on. The present invention analyses, filters and formats incoming information so that it can be fed into the hydrological model and be used by the optimization system.

Referring to Figure 1, the computer-implemented optimization sub-system (15) interfaces with the hydrological modelling sub-system (16) and the instruction system (12) via the common interface (8). The optimization sub-system (15) is essential to the overall central control system (1) because of the complexity of the input data and output data over time, created by the plurality of watercourse sensing devices (13); the plurality of the water service targets (36) from stakeholders; the variation in the weather as predicted by third party weather forecasts (30); and the plurality of water control devices (2, 3, 4). The optimization sub-system (15) uses modelling techniques, for example neural network optimization, in order to establish the most effective set of hydraulic instructions for the water control devices (2, 3, 4) at a certain point in time in order to best meet the water service targets (36).

Another part of the central control system (1) is the instruction system (12), which takes the optimised set of water control device instructions (43) from the optimization sub-system (15) and communicates them to the water control devices (2, 3, 4) by means of a communications sub-system (17). The format and timing of the instructions is compatible with both the requirements of the overall system and the requirements of the individual water control, removal and delivery devices (2, 3, 4). The automatic instructions to the water control devices (2, 3, 4) can also be overridden under exceptional circumstances by manual instructions from authorised personnel acting as an operator (9); for example, from a flood risk agency officer in the field, should a local requirement be urgently prioritised.

Outgoing data (7) may also be output and transmitted to third parties (11) to advise them, for example, of flood threats. Other outgoing data (7) can also be used by water stakeholders acting as an operator (9) to facilitate their water planning requirements. Over time, the system can generate network performance statistics for use by agencies and regulatory bodies for regional water planning policy.

Referring to Figure 3, water service targets (36) are used to guide the operation of the optimization sub-system (15). When the water service targets (36) are changed the central control system (1) will automatically recalibrate the settings for the water control devices (2, 3, 4). Similarly, additional water service targets (36) can be introduced to reflect, for example, the requirements of a new participating stakeholder. Furthermore, a range of stakeholder water service targets (36) can be operated within statutory water service parameters. For example, an environment agency may set a statutory minimum and maximum water level for a main river and this will then set the operating parameters to which all other stakeholders' water service targets (36) need to be best matched using the optimization system of the present invention. For example, water service targets (36) can also be expressed in terms of water abstraction volumes at a particular point on a watercourse across a period of time. The system of the present invention allows for optimization of device settings in order to deliver abstraction requirements in proportion to the available water supply within the network. In practical terms, the system predicts what the total supply for a given period will be and this will assist water abstractors, for example water companies, to determine whether they need to transfer water from another area or release water stored in a reservoir into the water network.

Referring to Figure 4, in the example embodiment shown a network catchment area (25) within a particular river basin is subdivided into a series of local area networks (40x, 40y, 40z), with the central control system ( 1) communicating with the local systems (18a, 18b, 18c, 18d, 18e) within each of the local area networks. This arrangement is suited to a river basin that is large and can be divided into succinct local area networks, each with their own water service targets (36). Where there is a local area network hydrological relationship (29) between local area networks (40x, 40y, 40z), then the central control system (1) is configured to process both the incoming data (6) and outgoing data (7) separately for each local area network (40x, 40y, 40z) whilst monitoring the hydrological impact from one to another.

Referring to Figure 6a, a watercourse network is hydrologically controlled via an array of local systems (18). It has been found to be of benefit to the overall system for system data not to flow directly between each local system (18) and the central control system (1). In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the functions of the central control system (1) are distributed to a master device control means (MDCM) in order to make the overall system more resilient and operate more quickly, efficiently and robustly whilst reducing the cost of in-the-field communications systems.

The wireless connection between a master device control means (MDCM) and a slave device control means (LDCM) may be in series or in parallel in order to achieve the most effective sending of instructions and the most effective data gathering from the sensing devices (13).

Referring to Figure 6c, a master device control means MDCM 1 may forward an instruction to slave device control means LDCM2. LDCM2 forwards an instruction to a second slave device control means, LDCM3 and so on, each in turn relaying positive receipt of instruction to MDCM 1 and each in turn relaying an update of any sensor data locally received from sensing devices (13). Referring to Figure 6b, when in a parallel arrangement MDCM 1 may forward an instruction to slave device control means LDCM2 and then LDCM2 confirms positive receipt of instruction back to MDCM 1. Only after this positive confirmation does MDCM 1 forward the next instruction to LDCM3 and so on. In these different configurations, the master control device means (MDCM 1) can be remotely preset and updated with an algorithmic set of computational programmes which can, for example, assess when alert messages need to be sent through to the central control system (1). These alerts will in turn modify the way the central control system responds, for example in the way that it prioritises water service ta rgets. In addition to the installation of new water control devices and storage areas, or use and modification of existing water control devices and storage areas, watercourses can also be modified to create a more resilient and effective water network. Through the introduction of linking channels and pipes, for example, different parts of a water network can be linked. Furthermore, different networks can also be connected. Where the connection is downhill, then gravity can force the transfer of water. Where it is uphill, then the introduction of water pumps will achieve the transfer and this is of particular benefit where water is recirculated within a local area network (40), for example, in order to improve water quality.

By these means, the natural environment can be modified through modest technical intervention to create a controlled water flow system. This allows better use to be made of scarce water resources and helps to mitigate against natural disasters, for example flooding and ecological damage. In addition, it will help to balance peaks in local water consumption (e.g. during the summer) and against peaks in local water supply (e.g. during the winter).

It has also been found that the present invention turns an 'open' water network into a more 'closed' water network, thereby allowing it to be more accurately controlled in order to achieve specific water targets. The system of the present invention is able to take an unpredictable open water system within a river basin and to use a computer controlled network of water control device means and water storage means in order to more closely achieve a closed system. Accordingly, sufficient control of all of its water flows is established and optimised in order to more closely achieve often conflicting water targets across parts of the system or indeed the whole of the system.

The system of the present invention provides a number of benefits. For example: -

- The system deals with flood problems upstream and, therefore, reduces downstream flooding. - The system gives downstream communities more time to respond to flood events.

- The system requires smaller (though more in number), less intrusive flood mitigation structures than downstream solutions because there are more manageable flood forces upstream.

- The system can reduce downstream river flows to mitigate the impact of incoming sea tides on river outflows and thereby reduce estuary flooding.

- The system reduces the size of water retention areas required for flood control than would be required for a comparable non-networked system of water control devices.

- The system can facilitate on-going water harvesting from rivers and aquifers when there is surplus water in the network catchment area, creating a supply of raw water which can be used during times of water shortage.

- The system can improve the quality of water supplies, for example, by diverting water flows through wetlands.

- The system can slow down the release of greenhouse gases by wetting previously drained peat lands and controlling further water run-off.

- The system can facilitate a more flexible, sustainable and resilient water abstraction regime, controlled through the location, timing and volume of abstractions.

- The system can encourage improvements in the biodiversity of water networks through the control of water levels and flow rates.

- The system can use weather forecasting information in order to prepare the water system for excess water flows, for example by draining down retention areas.

- The data derived from the system can be used by agencies and the wider community, for example in relation to flood warning and for example to identify local catchment trends in hydrological performance.

- The data derived from the system can be used to identify the sensitivity of individual devices in the performance of the system as a whole.

- The data derived from the system can be used to identify the maintenance intervals and/or malfunctioning of devices within the system. With reference to Figure 1, an example of a system according to the present invention comprises a central control system (1) and one or more local systems

(18) .

Each local system (18) comprises one or more water control devices (2), water removal devices (3) and water delivery devices (4). Each water control device (2, 3, 4) is associated with a local device control means (14), which incorporates a device communications sub-system (45) and a power system (46). Each local device control means (14) may be associated with one or more water sensing devices (13).

The central control system (1) includes an instruction sub-system (12), an optimization sub-system (15); a hydrological modelling sub-system (16); a communications sub-system (17); and a data storage sub-system (19).

The common interface (8) manages data between the instruction sub-system

(12) , the optimization sub-system (15), the hydrological modelling sub-system (16), the communications sub-system (17), and the data storage sub-system

(19) .

The central control system (1) includes a communications sub-system (17) having an input for incoming data (6) and an output for outgoing data (7), which communicate with external devices, as well as external information sources and external parties. Information received by the communications sub-system (17) is sent to the common interface (8), which processes the information received for use by other sub-systems within the central control system (1). The common interface (8) sends instructions from the instruction sub-system (12) to the output for the outgoing data (7) via the communications sub-system (17) and thereby to the local device control means (14) and hence to the water control devices (2), water removal devices (3) and water delivery devices (4).

The incoming data (6) comprises information from a plurality of sensing devices

(13) via the local device control means (14) in addition to information from third parties (10) for example in the form of weather forecast information and for example in the form of satellite data. The incoming data (6) also comprises instructions from an operator (9), i.e. personnel using the system.

The main computing central control system (1) also sends information to the operator (9), customer (11) or other third parties (11) via the communications sub-system (17).

Each of the water control devices (2), water removal devices (3) and water delivery devices (4) receives instructions from the central control system (1) via the output for the outgoing data (7) and via the local device control means (14) with its associated device communications system (45) and power system (46).

Each of the water control devices (2), water removal devices (3) and water deliver devices (4) also has a "fail-safe" response and is configured to allow the devices (2, 3, 4) to automatically revert to default settings based on received data from one or more of the sensing devices (13) via the local device control means (14) where the instructions received fall outside of pre-set parameters and/or where instructions are not available from the central control system (1).

Each of the water control devices (2), water removal devices (3) and water delivery devices (4) includes a device communications system (45) for communicating with the communications sub-system (17) and/or the sensing devices (13) via the local device control means (14) and/or other local device control means (14).

Each of the water control devices (2), water removal devices (3) and water delivery devices (4) includes a local device control means (14) for managing data between the central control system (1) and each device and their associated sensing devices (13), device communications sub-system (45), power system (46), and location system (47). Each of the water control devices (2), water removal devices (3) and water delivery devices (4) includes a power system (46) for providing power to operate at least one actuating unit (not shown) and associated technology. This associated technology includes but is not limited to the local device control means (14), a communications system (45), a location system (47), and the sensing devices (13). The sensing devices (51) may be remote from the local device control means (14) and may communicate wirelessly with that local control device means via the device communications sub-system (45) or may communicate directly with the central control system (1).

It is envisaged that each of the water control devices (2), water removal devices (3) and water delivery devices (4) is designed and includes the appropriate technology to allow fish and eels to navigate harmlessly both upstream and downstream.

With reference to Figures 2A to 2F, examples are given of how water can be removed from a river (20), circulated within a network, stored and/or returned to the same river (20) or another river.

Figure 2A shows a water removal device (3), for example a water pump and filtration device. The water is directed from the river (20) via a water transfer system (5), for example a drainage pipe; and a water delivery device (4), for example a weir. The water is delivered to a first water storage means (21), for example a retention pond, where the water can be held and then directed to a second water storage means (21), for example a wetland, via a water removal device (3), for example a gate, and a water transfer system (5), for example a ditch. The first water storage means (21) may also receive water from a local drainage network (22) consisting of, for example, a network of ditches, via a water delivery device (4), for example a gate. The water in the second water storage means (21) can then be returned to the river when needed in a similar manner. That is, the water is returned via a further water removal device (3), for example a water valve and filtration device; to a water transfer system (5), for example a drainage pipe; and then to the river (20) via a water delivery device (4), for example a weir. The water in the second water storage means (21) can also be recirculated to the first water storage means (21) via a water removal device (3), for example a water pump and filtration device, and via a water transfer system (5), for example a drainage pipe.

Figure 2B shows a water removal device (3), for example, a water pump and filtration device. The water is directed from the river (20) to a water transfer system (5), for example, a drainage pipe, to a local drainage network/water distribution system (22), for example a series of ditches, by means of a water control device (2), for example, a water valve, in order to replenish other watercourses, the water table, open land, and agricultural land. In this way, the example shown in Figure 2B can be used both to remove excess water from the river (20) and to replenish water where it is needed in the local environment.

Figure 2C shows an example of how water can be delivered from a water distribution system/ local drainage network (22) to a river (20) via a transfer system (5), for example a ditch, and a water delivery device (4), for example a gate.

Figure 2D shows a water removal device (3), for example a water pump and filtration device, linked to a water control device (2), for example a water valve. The water is directed from the river (20) to a water transfer system (5), for example a drainage pipe, and to a water delivery device (4), for example a water valve, and then to a water treatment system (24), and hence to a user's plant for industrial purposes. The water, once used in the user's plant, is then returned to the river (20) via a water removal device (3), for example a water pump, then via a water treatment system (24), to a water transfer system (5), for example a drainage pipe, and hence to the river (20) via a water delivery device (4), for example a water valve.

Figure 2E shows a water control device (2), for example a flood barrier, linked to a water removal device (3), for example a water valve. The water is directed from the river (20) to a water storage means (21), for example a retention pond, via a water transfer system (5), for example a channel, via a water delivery system (4), for example a water valve and filtration device. The water can then be returned to the river (20) from the water storage means (21) when needed via a water removal device (3), for example a water valve, and then by a water transfer system (5), for example a channel, to a water delivery system (4), for example a water valve and filtration device.

Alternatively, the water from the water storage means (21) can be drained via a water removal device (3), for example a water valve and filtration device, to lower-lying land via a water transfer system (5), for example a drainage pipe, and used for hydroelectric power generation (23) and/or for use in a water supply via a water treatment system (24).

Figure 2F shows a water storage means (21), for example a reservoir, controlled by for example a water company, supplying water via a water removal device (3), a water transfer means (5) and a water delivery system (4) to another water storage means (21), for example a pond, controlled by for example a group of land owners. The water from the water storage means (21) can then be supplied to a number of users from a water transfer means (5), for example a ring main pipe, via a series of water control devices (2) and water transfer means (5), so that any unused water can then return to the water storage means (21) via a water delivery system (4).

It will be appreciated that one or more of each of the examples shown in Figures 2A to 2F could form part of a system according to the present invention. It will also be appreciated that the design of any part of the system according to the present invention and as exemplified in Figures 2A to 2F will vary according to the hydrological characteristics of the terrain in which it is located, the climactic conditions of the location and the use for which each part of the system is required.

Figure 3 shows schematically the way the system optimises the hydrological performance of the network catchment area in response to weather forecast information over a seven day period. The system records current and future predicted precipitation (30) across the relevant network catchment area (25) using third party weather forecasts. The system also records the current levels of ground water (31) and surface water (32) within the network catchment area (25) using local sensors and/or third party data, for example satellite data. Future levels of ground water (31) and surface water (32) within the network catchment area (25) are predicted using the hydrological modelling sub-system (16) within the central control system (1). The system compares the difference between the aggregation of the ground water (31) and the surface water (32) within the network catchment area (25) with the total water storage capacity (38) of the network catchment area (25) to determine the spare water storage capacity (33) within the network catchment area (25). This spare water storage capacity (33) is then compared to the predicted precipitation (30). On the basis of this capacity difference, the system identifies any potential shortfall in capacity which would be needed in order to satisfy the water service targets (36). On the basis of this analysis, the system then identifies a sequence of draining down of surface water (32), for example that which is held in water storage areas, in order to best achieve water service targets (36). The system then uses this sequence of surface water (32) changes as the framework within which to establish an optimised set of instructions to be sent by the central control system (1) to the one or more local device control means (14). If there is such a shortfall in spare water storage capacity (33) that cannot be addressed by draining the surface water (32), then the system identifies changes in the priority of water service targets (36), whereby the changing of one or more of the water service targets (36) by a degree higher or lower as the case may suggest will change the available spare water storage capacity (33) of the network catchment area (25). Where all these measures are still insufficient to respond to the precipitation forecast (30) within the network catchment area (25), the system automatically changes the priority of the water service targets (36) to achieve the most highly prioritised water service targets (36), for example in favour of flood mitigation (37). If the system then identifies a point in time when the water capacity of the network catchment area (25) is close to its extreme limits whereby certain water service targets (36) cannot be met, the system can automatically communicate a warning, for example a flood warning (34), to the relevant agencies and to the communities likely to be affected. Similarly, if the system identifies a point in time when the water service targets (36) can no longer be met, the system can automatically communicate an alert, for example a flood alert (35), to those relevant agencies and to the communities likely to be affected. By these means, the system (1) can respond to both a surplus and a shortage of precipitation where these predicted events may affect the achievement of the water service targets (36) within the network catchment area (25).

Figure 4 shows schematically how a network catchment area (25) may be subdivided into local area networks (40x, 40y, 40z), each one incorporating an array of water control devices. It shows one such local area network (40x) incorporating local systems (18a) to (18e) located on watercourses (20a) to (20e). The hydraulic settings of the local systems (18a) to (18e) are optimised by the central control system (1) in order to achieve water service targets as measured by the water service sensing device/s (28). The central control system (1) uses the local system hydrological relationship (27 _(a _ ₎ -27 _(d _e ₎ ) between one networked local system (18a) and the next downstream local system (18b, 18c, 18d, 18e) for the central control system (1) to be able to undertake hydrological modelling and optimise the water control device settings in order to achieve the appropriate water service targets as measured by the water service sensing device/s (28). The hydraulic settings of one local system ( 18) will have an impact on the local system hydrological relationship (27 _(a -b)-27 _(d -e ₎ ) with the next downstream local system and so on. The impact of one local system (18) on another and on its local area network (40) is tested in practice using hydrological data from water sensing devices associated with each local system (18a-18e) sent back through wireless communications (26) to the central control system (1). One local area network (40 _x ) will also have a local area network hydrological relationship (29 _x _ _y ) with another local area network (40 _y ) and this relationship can be modelled by the central control system (1). Figure 5 shows graphically how the networked system of the present invention reduces downstream flooding and improves temporal characteristics compared to a comparable, non-networked arrangement of water control devices and water storage means. The networked system (42) shows a clear advantage over the non-networked system (41) as illustrated by the schematic hydrograph that shows:

i) a flood datum level d^

ii) a later system initiation time (t ₂ , ti);

iii) a lower maximum height above flood datum level (di, d ₂ );

iv) a faster rate of drain-off from maximum height above flood datum level to a given point in time (t ₅ ); [(d!-d3)/(t5-t ₃ ) compared to (d ₂ - d ₄ )/(t ₅ -t ₄ )] .

In this example, the networked system would be set the water service target of a maximum height of di. This implies that the depth of flooding for a non- networked system at this measurement point is d ₂ -d _! .

Figures 6a, 6b and 6c show arrangements for master and slave device control means. Each arrangement includes a different option for the control of in-the- field water control devices (2), water removal devices (3) and water delivery devices (4) via a local system (18) by the central control system (1), using data derived from the sensing devices (13) taking readings from watercourses (20).

Figure 6a shows each of the local device control means (14) LDCM 1 to LDCM3 being controlled directly by the central control system (1). This arrangement has the advantage of all computing operations being controlled directly by the central control system (1).

Figure 6b shows one master device control device/means (39) MDCM 1 being controlled directly by the central control system (1), with the other remaining slave or local device control means (14) LDCM2 to LDCM3 being directly controlled by the master water control device/means (39) MDCM1. This arrangement has the advantage of distributing computing operations across a number of master device control means (39).

Figure 6c shows one master device control device/means (39) MDCM 1 being controlled directly by the central control system (1). The next downstream local/slave device control means (14) LDCM2 is directly controlled by the master device control means (39) MDCM 1. The next downstream local/slave device control means (14) LDCM3 is directly controlled by the previous local/slave device control means (14) LDCM2. Figure 6c also shows that each local device control means provides wireless confirmation of its instruction directly back to the master device control means before it instructs the next local device control means in sequence so that the correct sequencing of device control means is achieved. This arrangement has the advantage of distributing computing operations across a number of both master device control means (39) and local device control means (14) and therefore achieving resilience within the local area network (40).

Figure 7 shows the component parts of a local system (18). The central control system (1) communicates with the local system (18) using wireless communications (26) to the device communications sub-system (45), which in turn sends and receives data to/from the local device control means (14). Device instructions (43) generated from the central control system (1) are thus transmitted to the water control devices (2), water removal devices (3) and water delivery devices (4). Real-time sensor data (44) is generated from the sensing devices (13) and is sent to the local device control means (14). From here, via the device communications sub-system (45), the data is sent to the central control system (1) using wireless communications (26). Similarly, remote sensing devices (51) wirelessly transmit real-time sensor data (44a) to the local device control means (14) via the device communications sub-system (45). Remote sensing devices may also wirelessly transmit real-time sensor data direct to the central control system (1) and particularly where the sensors are water service target sensing devices (28). A location system (47), where this is installed, sends location data (49) about the geo-spatial positioning of the local device control means (14) to the central control system (1) via the local device control means (14) and device communications sub-system (45). Electrical power (50) is provided to all components of the local system (18) by the power system (46), which comprises a system of power typically generated by means of hydroelectric, solar, battery and/or mains power. If components, for example the remote sensing devices (51), are too remote from the power system (46) for this arrangement to be practical, a separate power supply is provided as required. Power from the power system (46) is managed centrally by the power system control module (48) located within the local device control means (14).

In some embodiments, a number of local device control means (14) communicate wirelessly first to a local communications hub which then in turn provides the wireless communications with the central control system (1).

Referring to Figure 8, showing an example scenario to which the present invention is applied, it can be seen how the system incorporates a data logic process (100) which translates imported real-time sensor data (44) into device instructions (43). The process starts with the importing of real-time sensor data from local systems (18) by the central control system. The system of the present invention analyses the real-time sensor data and at step 101 compares it to target values determined from the last cycle of device instructions and asks whether the difference is within a predetermined range i.e. between parameters +s% and -t% .

If the difference is not within the pre-determined range, at step 102, the hydrological modelling process is run with revised settings calculated by the system in order to bring the model up to date and reflect hydrological activity within the field. The system calculates revised settings with the target of achieving the required real-time sensor data. Further iterations of steps 101 and 102 are carried out until the best possible positive result is achieved at step 103. When the sensor data is within the expected values and a positive result is achieved from steps 102 and 103, the system then asks at step 104 whether the precipitation forecast is between anticipated parameters +u% and -v%. At step 105, if the precipitation forecast is within the anticipated range, the system asks whether the water service targets are within the range +w% and -x% of set targets as confirmed by the real-time sensor data. At step 106, if the water service targets are within the anticipated range, the system does nothing further and the current water device settings are maintained. If the precipitation forecast is outside of the anticipated range, at step 107, the system starts a new cycle of hydrological modelling to establish a revised set of water device settings.

With reference to Figure 3 and Figure 8, the hydrological model initiates at step 108 a routine to identify the spare water storage capacity (33) within the network catchment area by comparing the total water storage capacity (38) of the catchment area with the amount of ground water (31) and surface water (32) within the catchment area. At step 109 the system asks whether the spare water capacity of the catchment area is within a range between +y% and -z% of the anticipated precipitation volume. At step 110, if the spare water capacity is within the anticipated range, the system does nothing further and the current water device settings are maintained. At step 111, if the spare water capacity is outside of the anticipated range, the system initiates a routine to calculate the volume of surface water which can be drained out from the catchment area in time to allow for the anticipated precipitation.

Following step 111 of the surface water drainage routine, the system takes step 112 to optimise the device settings to best meet the prescribed water service targets in the context of the anticipated precipitation and the potential drainage of surface water. At step 113, the system asks whether the planned spare water capacity of the catchment area is now within a range between +y% and - z% of the anticipated precipitation volume. If at step 114 the planned spare water capacity is within the predetermined range, the system forwards instructions according to the revised set of device settings to the local system (18). If the planned spare water capacity is outside of the predetermined range, at step 115, the system initiates a routine to reprioritise the water service ta rgets.

After the system has run the water service target reprioritisation routine at step 115, the system asks again at step 116 whether the planned spare water capacity of the catchment area is now within the predetermined range between +y and -z%. When the spare water capacity is within the range, the system at step 114 sends the revised set of device settings to the local systems (18). The system also, at step 117, resets the water service targets and at step 118 sends out an alert if necessary. For example, an alert is sent to third parties if any of the water service targets falls within k% of their critical level as predetermined by the system.

When the system determines that the targets are not within the critical range, the system asks, at step 119, whether the water service targets have been adjusted to their full extent. Where the targets have been adjusted to their full extent, the system sends, at step 114, the instructions for this revised set of device settings to the local systems (18) and also, at step 117, resets the water service targets and also, at step 118, sends out an alert. For example, an alert is sent to third parties, if any of the water service targets now fall within k% of their critical level as predetermined by the system.

When the water service targets have not been adjusted to their full extent, the system reruns the process to reprioritise water service targets, at step 115. In this way, the system will ultimately create water device settings which maximise the performance of the network catchment area in order to best meet the water service targets. The system recognises where it can no longer meet any of the targets, in which case alerts are automatically issued.

It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications are covered by the appended claims.