Automation is a collection of a whole set of theories and methods to make a system work automatically as intended, in our case the urban water supply system. A critical feature of automation is the feedback principle: a sensor is measuring a certain variable, e.g. a concentration; a computer tests that the measurement is valid; a computer algorithm calculates and decides what should be corrected; a pump or valve or some other device transforms the decision to action. All of this is untouched by human hand. The ‘intention’, or the goal, must be provided to the controller. The key component of automation is the system that can represent any component or process in the water supply system and even the complete system. Automation technology always must be combined with a true understanding of people at all levels. Otherwise, there is a high risk for misunderstandings and failures. Three categories of problems are highlighted, where automation can contribute: uncertainty, feedback, and complexity. A key challenge is the handling of disturbances. Integrated management of the whole urban water cycle will be required in future urban areas to acquire sustainable operations. Automation is a crucial condition to make integration possible in complex systems.

自动化是使系统按预期自动运行的一整套理论和方法的集合，在我们的例子中是城市供水系统。自动化的一个关键特征是反馈原理：传感器测量某个变量，例如浓度；计算机测试测量是否有效；计算机算法计算并决定应该纠正什么；泵或阀门或其他设备将决定转化为行动。所有这一切都不是人手所接触的。必须向控制者提供“意图”或目标。自动化的关键组件是可以代表供水系统甚至整个系统中的任何组件或过程的系统。自动化技术必须始终与对各级人员的真正理解相结合。除此以外，误解和失败的风险很高。突出显示了三类问题，其中自动化可以发挥作用：不确定性、反馈和复杂性。一个关键的挑战是处理干扰。未来城市地区需要对整个城市水循环进行综合管理，以获得可持续运营。自动化是在复杂系统中实现集成的关键条件。