Models Basats en Agents com a Eina per a una Gestió de l’Aigua urbana Centrada en l’Usuari

Managing urban water has always been a challenge, but today it’s more complex than ever due to climate change and the growing links between water and other areas such as energy, the economy, and lifestyle. It’s no longer just a technical issue — it’s also a social one, with no single “right” solution, but rather several possible options depending on the context.

In the Metropolitan Area of Barcelona, which has a large and complex water supply infrastructure, the current management model is being reconsidered. In this setting, artificial intelligence is being explored as a tool to simulate the impact of decisions before implementing them. Specifically, agent-based models are used to simulate how people might react to different policies.

These models were applied in four different case studies, analysing responses to measures like pricing changes, a mix of economic and non-economic actions, and modifications to infrastructure or its operation. The simulations revealed valuable insights, such as which price increases lead to real water savings, how to better support low-income households, and which times of day are best for applying water-saving strategies.

These results are useful not only for policymakers but also for companies like Aigües de Barcelona. They pave the way for a future where water management is more efficient, sustainable, and responsive to social needs.