California is facing its worst drought in more than 100 years, with no end in sight.  Can cloud and big data help?  It’s a good idea, one that is proving its actual worth in real-world applications.  A great example is the East Bay Municipal Utility District’s use of a cloud and big data system:

According to Computer World, “Using technologies not available in earlier droughts, the Oakland-based agency issued report cards on water usage to 10,000 of its 650,000 customers in a year-long pilot program. For instance, EBMUD would put worried-looking smiley faces on the statements it sent to people in two-person households who used more than 127 gallons per day.”

The system, developed by WaterSmart Software, is designed to put some technology behind water consumption.  This approach is helping the state meet its goal of reducing water usage by 20% per capita.  “The reports that the East Bay utility delivers to customers include recommendations for water-saving strategies based on their water usage histories, household characteristics, and season of the year.”

This is a good example of when a problem is approached using new and innovative technology.  The fit is logical, and the results impressive.