Challenge 1: Leveraging emerging digital technologies to strengthen water security with Managed Aquifer Recharge
“Our purpose is to revolutionize aquifer recharge in agriculture by combining ancient wisdom with modern technology to ensure water and food sustainability for future generations. We innovate with passion to build a more prosperous and balanced future.”
Dive into our journey!
Abstract
Since agriculture uses around 70% of the freshwater available globally (UNESCO, 2024) and aquifers supply about 25% of the water used for irrigation (United Nations), the global water crisis is becoming increasingly severe. It is currently estimated that 70% of aquifers are overexploited due to agricultural demand (UNESCO, 2019), and one-third of them are at critical stress levels (FAO, 2022).
The water crisis is one of the most urgent challenges humanity is facing, affecting billions of people and putting global water security at risk. Over 2 billion people live in countries experiencing high water stress, and by 2030, it’s expected that 40% of the world’s population could suffer from water shortages (United Nations).
Furthermore, climate change is worsening the competition for water resources, threatening agricultural sustainability and global food security.
Roots of Water was inspired by the ancient Andean technique of “Amunas,” which has been used for centuries to manage and recharge water sources. We drew from this technique and the water management challenges observed in Valle del Cauca, Colombia, a region that relies heavily on groundwater for agriculture.
We propose a holistic solution that integrates a comprehensive data collection system and a platform where users can visualize and utilize this information as input for decision-making. This approach enhances water management through the use of artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and blockchain technology.
Our goal is to optimize water management and agricultural practices to use the resource more efficiently. By engaging farmers, industries, and governments, Roots of Water aims to ensure water security in the short, medium, and long term. The data provided by our system is essential for informed decision-making and the implementation of sustainable practices that benefit the agricultural sector globally.
Reference: Image generated with artificial intelligence
The crisis of aquifer overuse: a threat to water security worldwide
In South Asia, for example, the Indus-Ganges Aquifer, one of the largest and most important in the world, is being overused. This aquifer provides water to over 600 million people in India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. However, its excessive use has caused a significant drop in water levels, threatening the availability of water for both drinking and agriculture.
Similarly, in Latin America, the overuse of the Guarani Aquifer, one of the largest sources of fresh water on the planet, is causing concern. The Guarani Aquifer covers parts of Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay. Excessive extraction and poor management are putting its ability to supply water to future generations at risk.
In Europe, Denmark also faces significant challenges with managing its underground water resources. In the Copenhagen metropolitan area, the main source of drinking water comes from local aquifers. However, increasing demand and pollution are putting pressure on these resources. In 2020, the Danish Council for Environmental Protection warned about falling groundwater levels and the risk of saltwater intrusion in coastal areas, which could affect the long-term supply of drinking water.
In this global context of growing scarcity and pressure on water resources, the situation in the Valle del Cauca in Colombia reflects these worldwide challenges. With 80% of the country’s groundwater extracted from this region, the Valle del Cauca faces an environmental crisis due to overuse of its aquifers. This is made worse by increasing demand for water for farming, industry, and urban use. This situation not only affects water availability but also causes serious ecological and socioeconomic impacts in the region.
Timeline: A journey through the history of aquifers
By examining the global situation of aquifers, we have identified recurring patterns of use and misuse that have brought us to the critical point we face today. Technological efforts and alliances among different stakeholders have not been enough to reverse the damage. To better understand how we got here and where we might go, we decided to create a quick but significant historical map, highlighting key events from ancient times to the present.
The timeline we have developed traces the use and management of aquifers from ancient times to the present, showing how technologies and practices have evolved and how they have been insufficient to stop degradation. From the ancient well systems in Egypt and Mesopotamia to advanced Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) techniques in the 21st century, this chronology reflects both progress and limitations in the sustainable management of groundwater.
Voros cone diagram: Visualizing possible futures
To delve into how we might address this global challenge, we use the Voros Cone Diagram to map out various possible futures based on current trends identified in the timeline, technological innovation, and international cooperation. We have identified five key scenarios:
Deep Dive into one of the major challenges we face: our focus on agriculture
Rising water stress is a major threat to the global economy and food security. By 2050, 31% of the world’s GDP is expected to be exposed to high water stress, up from 24% in 2010. Countries like India, Mexico, Egypt, and Turkey will be among the hardest hit, contributing over half of the GDP affected by these risks.
Food security is equally at risk, with 60% of irrigated agriculture facing extreme water stress. To feed an estimated global population of 10 billion by 2050, the world will need to increase calorie production by 56%. This goal will be increasingly difficult due to water shortages and climate-related disasters such as droughts and floods, which threaten agricultural productivity.
Reference: Image taken from Smith, J. (2024). Global water stress map projected for 2050 [Image]. In By 2050, Globally 5 Billion People Might Live With ‘Extremely High’ Water Stress For At Least 1 Month Annually: Research. Water Insights. https://www.waterinsights.com/articles/2050-water-stress
Case Study: Valle del Cauca sugar cane production and water stress
In the Valle del Cauca, sugar cane production is one of the main water demands, using 90% of the water for this crop and a large part of the water for people. Sugar cane covers about 200,000 hectares and is a big threat to water resources because of the heavy use of chemicals, which pollute the groundwater.
Professor Mario Pérez from the Institute of Water Resources and Environment at the University of Valle says that the water footprint of sugar cane is very high. It needs three times more water per ton produced compared to corn. In the Valley, 70% of surface water and 90% of groundwater are used for sugar cane production, causing water use conflicts and over-exploitation of resources.
The largest use of water from the Cauca River is for agriculture (75%), followed by industry (14%) and domestic use (9.7%). The concentration of water use by the sugar industry has caused natural imbalances and water conflicts in the region.
Despite efforts to cut water use by 50% through technology and specialized irrigation systems, engineer Douglas Laing warns that the Valley may not be sustainable for sugar cane by 2065. The use of fossil water, up to 20,000 years old, for irrigation is especially worrying. Not taking action to protect this vital resource could have devastating effects on the future of the Valley.
Reference Image taken from: Salta Net
Understanding the problem in a systemic way
Our Vision
Create innovative solutions for aquifer recharge and sustainable water management in agriculture, effectively addressing the challenges of inefficient water use in regions like the Valle del Cauca. We aim to transform global agriculture by empowering communities and stakeholders with technological tools that ensure long-term water sustainability and agricultural productivity.
Reference: Image generated with artificial intelligence
Our Solution
We propose a holistic solution that integrates a data collection system and a platform where users can visualize and utilize this information for decision-making. This will enhance water management through the use of artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and blockchain.
Our system is designed to improve water traceability in agriculture, providing critical data to governments, farmers, consultants, and investors. Our mission is to optimize water usage, promote sustainable agricultural practices, and ensure long-term water security.
This wouldn’t be possible without harnessing the power of emerging technologies. That’s why:
Artificial Intelligence (AI): We utilize AI to identify the most optimal areas for aquifer recharge, ensuring that water resources are used in the most efficient way possible.
Internet of Things (IoT): IoT devices collect real-time data on water levels and quality, allowing for precise monitoring and adjustments based on current conditions.
Blockchain: The data we collect forms the backbone of smart contracts hosted on blockchain technology. This ensures transparency and security, making it possible to track and verify every action related to water management.
The information collected is organized on a platform accessible to different stakeholders:
Farmers can use real-time data on water usage to manage their resources more efficiently, reducing waste and promoting sustainability.
Government entities can leverage accurate, up-to-date information to create informed regulations, backed by blockchain’s secure and traceable framework.
Investors and consultants can access the platform to identify opportunities for intervention, ensuring their decisions generate a positive, measurable impact.
Blockchain technology ensures transparency and trust among all stakeholders, fostering collaboration between communities, governments, and the private sector. This collaboration enables more effective and sustainable water resource management across agricultural landscapes.
Sustainable aquifer recharge solution
Balanced approach: Our solution integrates three key elements to ensure effectiveness
Advanced technology: For precise analysis and efficient implementation of recharge systems.
Ancient techniques: Drawing inspiration from traditional methods like amunas to respect and utilize community knowledge.
Nature conservation: Preserving ecosystems and improving water quality with biological methods, ensuring environmental responsibility.
Smart monitoring
IoT Sensors & Blockchain: We use IoT sensors for real-time tracking of water quantity and quality. Data is recorded on a blockchain to ensure accuracy and security, making it accessible and reliable for stakeholders.
Optimized Water Management
Geographic information systems: Identifying the best points for aquifer recharge within watersheds helps us design systems that capture and store water efficiently. This improves agricultural water use, protects ecosystems, and controls surface runoff.
Sustainable Agriculture
Crop diversification: Over time, our approach aims to transform monoculture farming into more sustainable practices, adapting to the region’s resources.
Resilient strategies: Using excess rainfall for recharge and storing water for dry periods ensures food security and conserves water resources, making the solution resilient to climate variations.
Interactive platform
User-friendly interface: An interactive platform will allow farmers, government agencies, and environmental organizations to access data, participate in decision-making, and collaborate in real time.
– Ongoing support: Continuous communication and training will integrate innovative technologies like IoT and blockchain for effective and transparent water management.
This approach not only addresses local challenges but also offers a scalable model for global water and food security, adaptable to different regions around the world.
Deepening at technical level
Backstage: How does our artificial intelligence model work?
We use a set of GIS relief images, images with different optimal topographies (“t1”, “t2”, “t3”, “t4”). Our goal is to identify whether these types of topography are present in the images provided by the users and where they are located .
Modelo bassed in dataiku solution :
1. Image selection and image division, for training and testing 2.Train the model from DDS nodes (no code) 3. Evaluate the model from code 4. Match the results with the input images for prior viewing
Frontstage: Interactive Interface
When farmers, stakeholders, and other users interact with the interface, they will be guided through an onboarding process where they will discover the platform’s features. On the home screen, they can explore options such as uploading photos, receiving personalized care recommendations, and finding opportunities previously mapped for their region. They will also have access to reports generated from the photos they upload, as well as mentoring sessions with key stakeholders, volunteers, or consultants like Ramboll.
By uploading a photo and clicking the button to start the simulation, they will receive a report with the best locations for aquifer recharge.
Stakeholders system map
The core stakeholders for our AG-MAR (Agricultural Managed Aquifer Recharge) solution are farmers, government bodies, investors, and consultants.
Investors and consultants
These stakeholders are essential for scaling the solution. With access to the platform’s data, investors and consultants can evaluate where to intervene, directing their resources to areas that promise the highest positive impact on water security and agricultural sustainability. Their participation not only drives economic growth but also ensures that AG-MAR practices are implemented and expanded effectively.
Farmers
They are central to the success of AG-MAR, as optimizing aquifer recharge directly impacts their ability to manage water resources for crops. With better water management, farmers can enhance their agricultural productivity and long-term sustainability, ensuring efficient use of water for irrigation while minimizing environmental impacts. Their active participation in the platform ensures real-time decision-making and improved resource allocation.
Government bodies
Water resource managers play a vital role in regulating and overseeing water usage. Through the AG-MAR platform, they gain access to accurate, real-time data and tools for improving water distribution, ensuring water quality, and creating equitable policies. This helps safeguard water supplies and reduce overexploitation, ensuring that groundwater resources are used sustainably. Governments also benefit from blockchain technology, which allows them to track and verify water-related actions, ensuring transparency and accountability.
Backstage how does our blockchain model work?
Blockchain plays a key role in fostering collaboration among stakeholders by ensuring transparency and trust in water management. Through the use of smart contracts, agreements between farmers, government bodies, investors, and consultants are automatically executed when specific conditions are met, such as water usage or recharge targets. This builds confidence among all parties, as each transaction and decision is verifiable and traceable. As a result, the platform allows for seamless cooperation, enabling stakeholders to work together more efficiently toward sustainable water resource management and agricultural practices.
Design for resilient communities
This solution will empower farming communities by ensuring more efficient management of water resources and optimizing aquifer recharge. By increasing the ability of aquifers to store water during periods of high precipitation and release it during droughts, farmers will have access to a more stable and predictable water resource.
Additionally, our system will provide data and recommendations that will help transition from water-intensive monocultures to crops that use resources more efficiently. This will not only promote environmental sustainability but also enhance the well-being and resilience of the communities.
This stability will allow communities to better adapt to climate fluctuations, ensuring continuous agricultural production and strengthening their capacity to face environmental challenges, resulting in greater resilience and food security.
Why the solution will work
Our solution effectively addresses aquifer recharge and water management in agriculture, starting in the Valle del Cauca with the aim of scaling globally. This region is facing a water crisis, worsened by unsustainable water use in sugarcane cultivation, which could make agriculture unviable by 2065, according to the Universidad del Valle.
A key aspect of our solution is the use of artificial intelligence to identify the best locations for installing aquifer recharge systems, inspired by traditional practices like the amunas. This is combined with emerging technologies such as IoT and blockchain, which facilitate collaboration among farmers, government entities, environmental organizations, and other stakeholders, promoting more efficient and sustainable water management.
Our approach involves continuous measurement and improvement. While we recognize that this will take time, our goal is to address the issue innovatively and with methods not previously attempted. By integrating historical knowledge with modern technology and maintaining a constant cycle of evaluation and optimization, we aim to tackle the water crisis in new ways. Although we are initially focusing on the Valle del Cauca, we aim to develop a scalable model that can be adapted and applied to other regions facing similar challenges worldwide, enhancing agricultural practices and ensuring resilient water management on a global scale.
Roadmap for Roots of Water – solution
“Let’s transform the future of water and agriculture: with every drop we recharge and every decision we make, we build a world where sustainable water management is not just an ideal but a tangible reality for everyone.”
