Real Time Control (RTC) is widely accepted as a cost-effective way to operate urban drainage systems (UDS) effectively. However, what factors influence RTC efficacy and how this might change in the long term remains largely unknown. This paper reviews the literature to understand what these factors likely are, and how they can be assessed in the future. Despite decades of research, inconsistent definitions of the performance of RTC are used, hindering an objective and quantitative examination of the benefits and drawbacks of different control strategies with regard to their performance and robustness. Furthermore, a discussion on the changes occurring and projected to occur to UDS reveals that the potential impact of these changes on the functioning of RTC systems can be significant and should be considered in the design stage of the RTC strategy. Understanding this ‘best-before’ characteristic of an RTC strategy is the key step to ensure long term optimal functioning of the UDS. Additionally, unexplored potential for RTC systems might exist in the transitions, rehabilitation and construction of drainage systems. The research gaps highlighted here could guide the way for further development of RTC strategies, and enabling more optimal, long term implementation of RTC for urban drainage systems.

To evaluate the performance of Real Time Control (RTC) of urban drainage systems (UDS) a comparison is made with the pre-RTC situation, making the RTC performance dependent on the functioning of the UDS prior to implementation. To standardise things, a generalised baseline is formulated here as the operation with optimal static settings of the UDS. Two maximum theoretical potential performances are then calculated, one including and one excluding system limitations. These are combined with the generalised baseline to form Realised Potential Indicators (RPIs), objective values which indicate the proximity of the RTC strategy to its maximum potential. The proposed methodology was demonstrated on the case study of Eindhoven, the Netherlands. The results obtained show that using RPIs allows for a more objective assessment and improved understanding of the efficacy of different RTC procedures. Additionally, the RPIs can provide an indication if RTC is sufficient to achieve the desired UDS performance.

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Data collection in urban drainage systems comes with many challenges. However, many examples already exist, containing numerous useful lessons learned. This chapter therefore contains several urban drainage and stormwater management metrology case studies, selected to cover a wide range of scopes, scales, objectives, climates, data validation methods, and data storage approaches. The case studies are initiated by academics as well as by institutions from the water industry.