Like Water for Data

Parallel Challenges in the Management of Data and Water Resources

If someone had told me when I was a child that water would be sold in bottles one day, I would have laughed. Water was everywhere; as far as I knew, it was free. We all ran water in our homes to cook, clean, and take baths, and all we had to do was turn on the faucet, and it seemed that no one was keeping track of our usage. In the streets (the Bronx), the fire hydrant would run, sometimes for days uninterrupted, flowing down the street in the gutters to who knows where.

Data is also ubiquitous. Of course, that depends on what you consider data. In this case, I mean anything that is written in any form, either with atoms (pens, pencils, typewriters, etc.) or digits (binary computer language).

In the modern era, data and water are two critical resources underpinning the function of societies worldwide. This is particularly significant for policymakers, environmentalists, and individuals involved in data and water resource management. Despite their fundamentally different natures — one being a digital asset and the other a physical substance — they share striking similarities regarding accessibility, management, and their challenges. This essay explores these parallels, highlighting how the dynamics governing the availability and distribution of data closely mirror those of water.

Ownership and Control

Ownership and control are primary factors that dictate access to both data and water. Data is owned by entities that gather or generate it, such as corporations, governments, or individuals, who control its distribution and use. Similarly, water resources are controlled by governments, private entities, or individual landowners, with specific rights established over the utilization of local rivers, lakes, or underground aquifers. In both cases, the owner has the authority to decide how these resources are used and who can access them, often leading to restrictions that affect availability to the broader public.

Privacy and Security

While privacy pertains uniquely to data, security is crucial to both resources. For data, security involves protecting sensitive information from unauthorized access and breaches, which parallels the need to secure water supplies from contamination and ensure they are safe for consumption. Both require robust systems and management practices to maintain integrity, underscoring the importance of safeguarding these resources from potential threats.

Cost of Collection and Maintenance

The infrastructure required to manage both data and water involves significant investment. Data management necessitates extensive digital infrastructure, including data centers, servers, and security systems, whereas water management requires physical infrastructure, such as treatment plants, piping systems, and reservoirs. These systems need ongoing maintenance and upgrading, entailing substantial costs often passed onto consumers. This highlights the economic implications of sustaining high-quality access to these essential resources.

Quality and Value

The quality and value of data and water can significantly influence their market value. High-quality data, which offers enhanced insights and utility, can command high prices, similar to specially treated or naturally sourced waters like mineral or spring water, often sold at a premium. This similarity underlines that data and water are essential commodities that can be differentiated and valued based on their perceived superiority or unique attributes.

Regulatory and Legal Restrictions

Regulations play a critical role in managing both data and water. Data is regulated to ensure privacy, security, and ethical usage, with laws governing how it can be collected, stored, and shared. Water is similarly regulated with laws designed to protect ecosystems, manage usage rights, and ensure public health. These regulations, which are meticulously designed and enforced, are vital for maintaining sustainable practices and fair access, thereby reassuring you and me about the control measures in place.

Economic Inequality

This is a concern for me. Access to both data and water is often influenced by economic inequality, a factor that can have profound consequences. In many parts of the world, poorer communities may need more infrastructure to access clean water or high-speed internet for data usage. This disparity leads to a divide where wealthier regions or individuals enjoy greater access to these resources. At the same time, less affluent areas may suffer from inadequate access, exacerbating social and economic inequalities.

Data/Water Monopolies

The control of data and water can also be concentrated in the hands of a few large entities, leading to monopolistic practices. Large tech companies often dominate the data landscape, controlling vast amounts of information and the infrastructure needed to access it. Similarly, private companies can monopolize water resources, particularly in regions where water privatization is prevalent. This can lead to increased costs and restricted access for the general public, mirroring the challenges seen in the data sector.

As we reflect on the parallels between water and data distribution, it is imperative to pay attention to the fact that the unchecked control and commodification of data pose significant risks, mirroring those we already confront with water. Just as bottled water transformed a freely available resource into a costly commodity, our data could also be monopolized, making access increasingly restrictive and expensive. This shift could increase existing inequalities, placing essential information beyond the reach of those who cannot afford it, while also compromising our privacy and autonomy. To prevent such outcomes, it is essential that we advocate for transparent, equitable policies that govern data collection, use, and distribution, ensuring that this critical resource remains accessible and beneficial to all, not just a privileged few.