New policy defines AI parameters for developing AWWA content

The rapid adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology has touched virtually every industry, including water. This has raised excitement about its potential applications while generating questions about transparency and risks such as bias and bad data.

To ensure the ongoing integrity of its professional content while exploring innovative technologies, the American Water Works Association (AWWA) has developed an AI policy. The policy lays out how to responsibly leverage AI technology to transparently produce trusted content for AWWA’s water sector publications and resources. These include standards, manuals, books, reports and presentations.

At its June meeting at the Annual Conference and Exposition (ACE24) in Anaheim, California, AWWA’s board of directors adopted the operational policy, “AWWA Use of Artificial Intelligence Tools in Content Production.” The new policy outlines the appropriate use of generative AI tools to develop content published or distributed by AWWA and made available to its members, customers and the public.

Mike Hiskey, AWWA’s information technology director, said the policy is intended to balance innovation with ethical considerations. The policy applies to everyone who participates in creating or exchanging content for or on behalf of AWWA. He collaborated with other AWWA staff, volunteers, the board and outside experts to develop the policy.

“This policy recognizes the opportunities for efficiency that AI tools provide human content creators,” Hiskey said. “It also recognizes that trust in AWWA content is earned through collaborative and rigorous development, editing and vetting.

“These processes protect AWWA from reputational damage and ensure that our content reinforces AWWA’s brand as a credible authority in the water sector,” he added.

The policy requires AWWA content developers to:

• Follow established processes for drafting, reviewing, editing and approving content
• Ensure work is original and state when AI is used to assist with content creation
• Comply with applicable laws, regulations or agreements
• Protect sensitive data by not uploading it to public AI services

“This policy is intended as a baseline for staff, authors, presenters, councils/committees and consultants to protect AWWA and the value of its content,” Hiskey said. “If needed, councils, boards and other governance entities may provide additional guidance to manage the use of AI tools.”

AWWA’s policy specifies that content developers may use AI tools “in an ethical and lawful manner,” which could include these uses:

• Drafting and proofreading emails, memoranda and presentations
• Conducting research
• Generating ideas that contribute to creating materials
• Increasing the efficiency of administrative tasks

“Content developers must acknowledge or credit any significant contribution made by an AI tool to create any materials,” Hiskey said. “All other uses must be authorized in advance in writing by AWWA’s Chief Executive Officer.”

John Fedor, AWWA’s director of publishing, also collaborated on developing the AI policy.

“AWWA is one of the world’s most trusted leaders in water knowledge, and this policy is necessary to protect the integrity and reputation of our content,” he said. “Our 2030 Strategic Plan emphasizes the use of transformational technology and innovation to shape water’s future. We need to think about all this when we’re developing and delivering content.”