Deep reinforcement learning challenges and opportunities for urban water systems

The efficient and sustainable supply and transport of water is a key component to any functioning civilisation making the role of urban water systems (UWS) inherently crucial to the wellbeing of its customers. However, managing water is not a simple task. Whether it is aging infrastructure, transient flows, air cavities or low pressures; water can be lost as a result of many issues that face UWSs. The complexity of those networks grows with the high urbanisation trends and climate change making water companies and regulatory bodies in need of new solutions. So, it comes as no surprise that many researchers are invested in innovating within the water industry to ensure that the future of our water is safe. Deep reinforcement learning (DRL) has the potential to tackle complexities that used to be very challenging as it relies on deep neural networks for function approximation and representation. This technology has conquered many fields due to its impressive results and can effectively revolutionise UWS. In this article, we explain the background of DRL and the milestones of this field using a novel taxonomy of the DRL algorithms. This will be followed by with a novel review of DRL applications in the UWS which focus on water distribution networks and stormwater systems. The review will be concluded with critical insights on how DRL can benefit different aspects of urban water systems.