Connections Article

Water organizations exploring GenAI best practices for sector

January 23, 2025

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AWWA Articles

Water organizations exploring GenAI best practices for sector

The American Water Works Association, in collaboration with the Water Environment Federation (WEF), The Water Research Foundation (WRF) and Karmous Edwards Consulting (KEC), is embarking on a new research project to examine the potential of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) in the water sector.

The project team – which includes representatives from global water utilities – aims to establish a foundational understanding of GenAI’s applications in water utilities, develop best practices, and create a roadmap for future research.

Artificial Intelligence image
Artificial Intelligence image

“What excites me most about GenAI are the potential opportunities it offers our industry,” said DC Water Innovation Director Robert Bornhofen, who is part of the project’s utility working group. “Far more than a technology upgrade, GenAI represents a fundamental shift in how utilities can operate. When properly implemented, it can empower water utilities far beyond conventional means, streamlining operations, predicting challenges, and driving sustainable innovation for a smarter, more resilient future.”

Under the technical leadership of KEC, the project will explore how GenAI can be applied to address critical water sector challenges such as infrastructure management, water resource and environmental resilience, and public engagement and understanding of the value of water.

“Together, we aim to leverage the cost-effective yet sophisticated capabilities of GenAI to enhance utility operations, bridge the digital divide among utilities of all sizes, and establish a research roadmap that will propel global digital transformation in the water sector,” said Gigi Karmous-Edwards, principal of KEC.

Tapping into international insight

The international project includes participants from South Korea and the United Kingdom to provide a more comprehensive understanding of GenAI’s potential in the global water sector. For example, participant K-water operates AI-powered water treatment plants and is developing AI standards.

“South Korea’s AI-powered water treatment plants represent a standardized model and an exemplary case study,” said Tony Shin, K-water’s general manager of water supply installation maintenance team. “They provide a strong foundation for further development and innovation, serving as a valuable reference for global collaboration in advancing generative AI applications in the water sector.”

GenAI’s capacity to analyze vast datasets can help utilities uncover trends, optimize resource allocation and support data-driven decision-making.

“Historically, water treatment plant operations have relied heavily on the experience and judgment of human operators,” Shin said. “However, with the adoption of AI technologies, it has become possible to achieve optimal operations and standardization through data analysis and AI-driven decision-making.

“The water sector requires a digital transformation that enables collaboration between AI and human operators,” he added. “Such a system can help navigate the complexities of modern water management while ensuring resilience and efficiency.”

Project results will be available in late 2025, and updates can be found on the project page on WRF’s website.

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