Blockchain-IoT and optioneering driven framework for smart water management in emerging urban areas

We present a blockchain-enabled IoT framework for transforming intermittent water distribution networks (WDNs) into continuous supply in Edakochi, Kerala, India, which faces critical hydraulic and climatic challenges. The framework integrates geospatial modeling, hydraulic retrofitting, and digital governance. An EPANET model, supported by Kerala Water Authority (KWA) data, guided optioneering of pumped and gravity source augmentations. The optimal configuration (O1+O2+O3) ensured full serviceability and raised supply to 218 LPCD. To enable demand-sensitive distribution, an IoT-blockchain network (BCN) supports consumer-level monitoring and smart-contract reward-penalty mechanisms. Two months of consumption from 350 households showed more than 50% exceeded prescribed limits, demonstrating BCN capacity for dynamic governance and conservation incentives. Among four consensus algorithms, Proof of Authority performed best (low mining-time and energy), suiting real-time, resource-constrained deployments. The approach is scalable to similar urban contexts, contingent on expanded real-time sensing, and offers policy-aligned, technologically feasible path to sustainable water management in rapidly urbanizing regions.