By visiting our site, you agree to our privacy policy regarding cookies, tracking statistics, etc.

You are Here

Groundwater Accounting Platform Goes Open Source to Boost Sustainable Water Management

Corporate Sustainability
Groundwater Accounting Platform Goes Open Source to Boost Sustainable Water Management

The Groundwater Accounting Platform, an increasingly popular water management tool for growers and water resource professionals, has taken a significant step toward open collaboration by releasing its source code in a new public repository on GitHub. This move, announced on March 4, 2025, aims to foster innovation and expand the platform’s capabilities in tackling water management challenges.

Named the Qanat Project — after the ancient Persian qanat systems that brought groundwater to the surface via horizontal wells — the new repository represents a modern approach to time-tested water management practices. While the platform’s source code has always been available upon request, the GitHub repository streamlines access, inviting broader collaboration from software developers, consultants, academics, and agencies who can help customize and expand the platform’s use.

Key Features and Benefits

Robust Water Management Tool: The Groundwater Accounting Platform offers a user-friendly interface for tracking water availability and use in near-real time, providing essential data down to the parcel level[9].

Integration Capabilities: The platform integrates information from diverse data sources like satellite imagery, flow meters, and sensor networks, supporting precise water budgeting and scenario planning[9].

Expanded Functionality: By contributing to and expanding the platform’s functionality, users can develop and share custom solutions that address unique community water needs[9].

Scenario Planning: The platform integrates with the open-source Groundwater Evaluation Toolbox (GET) to provide scenario planning and forecasting modules[9].

Impact on Corporate Sustainability

The open-sourcing of the Groundwater Accounting Platform aligns with growing corporate sustainability trends, particularly in water resource management. As companies increasingly focus on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors, tools like this can play a crucial role in:

  1. Improving Water Efficiency: Businesses can better track and manage their water usage, leading to more sustainable practices.

  2. Enhancing Reporting: The platform can provide accurate data for sustainability reports and ESG disclosures.

  3. Supporting Community Engagement: By using open-source tools, companies can collaborate more effectively with local communities and stakeholders on water management issues.

  4. Driving Innovation: The open-source nature of the platform encourages continuous improvement and adaptation to evolving water management challenges.

Looking Ahead

As corporate sustainability efforts continue to evolve, open-source tools like the Groundwater Accounting Platform are likely to play an increasingly important role. By providing transparent, collaborative solutions to complex environmental challenges, these initiatives not only support better resource management but also foster a culture of shared responsibility and innovation in addressing global sustainability issues.

The Qanat Project is now publicly available on GitHub at github.com/esassoc/qanat-community, inviting contributions and collaborations from the global water management community.

References:

Share
Facebook Twitter Pinterest Linkedin

You might also like...