# Modeling Trust in IoT Systems for Drinking-Water Management
## 3 Methods and Proposed Approach
### Data Collection
#### 3.1.3 Critical Elements and Trust Relationships: Sources and Derivation  
The critical elements and trust relationships outlined in Table 1 have been derived from a comprehensive analysis of the components and operations within the water-treatment plant. These results are based on a combination of industry standards, best practices, and expert knowledge in water-treatment systems. Each critical element listed in the table, including the management team, human operators, IoT sensors, PLCs, technology suppliers, and regulatory authorities, plays a vital role in ensuring the functionality, safety, and regulatory compliance of the water-treatment plant. The responsibilities attributed to each critical element have been determined through an assessment of their functions and roles within the system. For instance, the management team is responsible for overseeing the entire water-treatment process, while human operators are tasked with monitoring operations, intervening in emergencies, and conducting maintenance activities. Similarly, the trust relationships associated with each critical element have been established based on their interdependencies and reliance on one another. For example, human operators trust the data provided by IoT sensors to make informed decisions and rely on the reliability of PLCs to control automated processes effectively. Furthermore, the table reflects the trust that technology suppliers must inspire by providing reliable and secure equipment, as well as the need for regulatory authorities to maintain ongoing compliance with standards and regulations to ensure the safety and trustworthiness of the water-treatment process. Table 1 serves as a concise summary of the critical elements involved in the water-treatment plant and the trust relationships that bind them together. It highlights the interconnectedness of various critical elements and emphasizes the importance of mutual trust in ensuring the efficient and safe operation of the facility. By clearly delineating the responsibilities and trust relationships of each critical element, the table provides a valuable reference for critical elements involved in the management and operation of the water-treatment plant. It underscores the significance of transparency, reliability, and compliance in fostering trust among all parties involved. Moreover, the inclusion of technology suppliers and regulatory authorities in the table acknowledges their crucial roles in supporting the functioning and oversight of the water-treatment plant. Their involvement underscores the broader context within which the plant operates and the need for collaboration among critical elements to achieve common goals. Establishing relationships of trust between these critical elements is essential to ensure the safety and efficiency of the water-treatment process. This implies not only the reliability of the technologies deployed but also the transparency of processes and communications between the players in the system. Mutual trust helps ensure the continued supply of high-quality drinking water to the people. In this Figure 1, we can see a visual representation of the critical elements of the IoT drinking-water treatment plant. Each essential element, such as IoT sensors, PLCs, maintenance personnel, human operators, etc., is represented graphically, providing a clear overview of the plant structure and its key components.