Artificial Intelligence (AI) is poised to revolutionize water management, offering a suite of innovative solutions to address the growing water scarcity challenges we meet globally. AI can help in several ways, enhancing efficiency, sustainability, and the overall resilience of water systems.
Taking on the issue at its “source”
AI and machine learning help tackle water leakage at the source by accurately pinpointing and predicting the water main breaks, enabling greater conservation of water from pump to tap.
On the other hand, AI algorithms can also analyze historical water usage data, weather patterns, and population trends to predict future water demand with high accuracy. This information empowers water utilities to optimize distribution networks, allocate resources efficiently, and prevent shortages during peak demand periods.
Delivering significant cost-saving solutions
60% of the population in the MENA region has little to no access to clean drinking water (World Future Energy Summit, 2023). And this occurs globally, so every litre that is wasted through leaks, burst pipes and other anomalies is a litre that could be saving or improving lives. However, traditional methods of maintenance can be very costly and ineffective. When some US utilities are spending over $300 per customer annually on water and wastewater operations, the potential for savings is significant.
With above-mentioned features, AI-driven systems can save 20-30% on operational expenditures (OPEX) of water pumps and treatment plants by adjusting parameters such as speed and output based on demand fluctuations (Autodesk, 2022). This not only optimizes the operation which saves energy costs but also enables proactive asset maintenance.
Driving a decade of WaterTech industry
Reducing water leaks is the most cost-effective urban water management tool (Rupiper et al., 2022), and water and wastewater operations are investing in artificial intelligence. Market research predicted that by 2030, investments in AI solutions are expected to reach $6.3 billion (Autodesk, 2022). This investment fits into the expanding trend of the water industry using smart infrastructure solutions to “go digital”.
One key industry that could majorly benefit from this in the near future is Agriculture, as agriculture accounts for 70% of all water withdrawals globally according to World Bank (2022). What’s more shocking is that it is estimated that 60% of water used in agriculture is wasted, according to the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organisation. This shockingly high and unsustainable level of inefficiency must be addressed, and it is already prompting the development of AI-powered smart farming practices (optimizing irrigation schedules, delivering highly precise water coverage, predictive forecasting, etc.)
As the world’s population continues to grow, the demand for clean and safe water is increasing. AI could provide humanity with a far more sustainable future, revolutionizing the way we manage water!
Reference:
Autodesk. (2022, May 1). AI for water: 10 ways AI is changing the water industry. One Water Blog. https://blogs.autodesk.com/innovyze/2022/05/01/ai-in-water-10-ways-ai-is-changing-the-water-industry/
Rupiper, A., Weill, J., Bruno, E., Jessoe, K., & Loge, F. (2022). Untapped potential: Leak reduction is the most cost-effective urban water management tool. Environmental Research Letters, 17(3), 034021. https://doi.org/10.1088/1748-9326/ac54cb
World Bank. (2022). Water in Agriculture [Text/HTML]. World Bank. https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/water-in-agricultureWorld Future Energy Summit. (2023). The power of data: How Artificial Intelligence is transforming water. https://www.worldfutureenergysummit.com/en-gb/future-insights-blog/the-power-of-data-how-artificial-intelligence-is-transforming-water.html