The potential of AI-driven technologies to revolutionise water management extends beyond addressing leakage; it holds the promise of levelling the playing field between developing and developed nations. While the challenges faced by each group may differ, the transformative power of AI can bridge the gap, empowering all nations to achieve efficient water conservation and sustainable development, as Thomas Allen, Head of Digital Water at the RSK Centre for Sustainability Excellence, discusses.
Collecting data in the water industry is not new, through mainframe systems and data warehouses; companies and utilities have always understood the value of good quality data. This has traditionally been obtained by strategically placed operational technology in limited locations, with data kept locally on-site. What we are experiencing in the water industry, along with many other sectors, is a combination of increased ability to collect more granular data and affordable mass-deployed internet of things devices and artificial intelligence that can rapidly analyse and automate insights. Traditionally, systems such as this were accessible only to developed nations with ample technical foundation and funding; however, the advent of this low-cost and remote sensing equipment has democratised access to real-time water monitoring. Developing nations can now adopt cost-effective solutions, enabling them to proactively address water losses and allocate their resources more efficiently.
This data collection gives us greater insights into how water is moving through a network and importantly, where it is being lost, along with data-led asset management of pumping stations, to ensure a stable and autonomous supply of water to remote areas.
Digital by design
Developing countries have the opportunity of adopting a ‘digital by design’ approach to new infrastructure. It is often more challenging to enable digital technology on ageing assets than to implement it from the beginning. This design process can take advantage of AI generative design, which combines artificial intelligence and design principles and holds immense promise in transforming water management and leak mitigation efforts. By harnessing the computational power of AI, generative design algorithms can explore an extensive range of design possibilities, optimising water distribution networks for maximum efficiency and minimal leakage. These algorithms consider various factors such as pipe materials, network topology and water flow dynamics, producing innovative solutions that human designers might overlook. AI generative design not only accelerates the design process but may also reduce the number of specialist resources needed in the future.
Better maintenance
Water distribution infrastructure in developing nations must be hardy enough to survive some of the world’s harshest environments, severe weather events and water source constraints. With climate change, this challenge is only going to increase. AI’s predictive maintenance capabilities empower these countries to address maintenance issues before they escalate, preventing water wastage and infrastructure deterioration. By embracing AI-driven insights, developing nations can allocate limited budgets strategically, optimising water systems for sustainable growth.
Equitable access
In many developing nations, water distribution is also challenged by disparities in water access between urban and rural areas. Remote areas are often the hardest to provide consistent water services to. With remote technology powered by renewable energy sources, water distribution can be optimised while ensuring a more equitable allocation of this precious resource, bridging the gap between regions. As a result, marginalised communities gain improved access to water, supporting their basic needs and fostering social and economic development.
Leveraging digital solutions, these countries can overcome the logistical challenges posed by vast distances and challenging terrains. By centralising control and monitoring, developing nations can respond swiftly to leaks and water supply issues, ensuring better water conservation outcomes.
Data-driven insights
AI’s data analytics capabilities empower water managers in developing nations to make informed decisions based on data-driven insights. With the ability to analyse diverse data sources, including local climate patterns and consumption trends, these nations can design context-specific strategies to tackle water leakage and promote sustainable water usage.
The integration of AI and digital solutions holds the promise of transforming water management and alleviating water leakage. However, these benefits must be balanced with the moral practice of data privacy, automation, cybersecurity and the ethical use of AI. Developing nations cannot become a training ground for new technologies when water quality and community health and wellbeing are at stake. On the other hand, AI cannot be trained exclusively in developed countries and be expected to work without bias.
The industry must address these concerns head-on. When we embrace innovation, we should strike a balance between technological advancement and ethical considerations. AI will change many social and business constructs, but by implementing the power of new technology responsibly, we can welcome a new era of wat er conservation, paving the way for a sustainable future for generations to come in all nations.
Thomas Allen, Head of Digital Water at the RSK Centre for Sustainability Excellence, has over eight years of experience in the global water industry, specialising in digital technology hardware and data analytics.
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