Submitted | Integrating smart water technology in community-led water governance: A systematic literature review

Tafadzwa C Maramura, Farai B Mushonga, T Gumbo and Ishola Abdulrasaq Ajadi

Abstract: Water scarcity, ageing infrastructure, and rising demand are intensifying pressures on water governance systems worldwide, particularly in developing regions. This study conducts a systematic literature review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) protocol to examine the integration of smart water technologies, such as smart meters, IoT-enabled sensors, and automated monitoring, within community water governance models. Drawing on 32 peer-reviewed studies and five grey literature sources from diverse contexts, including South Africa, East and Central Africa, Singapore, and the United States, the review identifies key technological contributions to leak detection, pressure management, consumption forecasting, and pollution control. Findings highlight that the effectiveness of these technologies depends on inclusive governance structures, community engagement, and alignment with local socio-cultural contexts. In South Africa, case studies reveal measurable gains in non-revenue water reduction and operational efficiency, though adoption remains constrained by high capital costs, interoperability issues, and limited community buy-in. Globally, community-based governance models such as Water User Associations and Indigenous-led systems demonstrate enhanced resilience and equity when coupled with technological innovation. However, gaps remain in understanding willingness to pay, context-specific adoption strategies, and demographic influences on technology uptake. The review concludes that aligning technical innovation with participatory governance is critical for achieving sustainable, climate-resilient water management.

Keywords: Smart water technology, Sustainability, community-led water governance, Water Governance, Inclusion