The water and wastewater sector is at a crossroads, grappling with the rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML). These technologies, once the stuff of science fiction, are now very real and very present, promising to revolutionize how utilities operate. Yet, the sector is not without its challenges, particularly in embracing these digital advancements. The median worker age of 48, with up to 50% expected to retire over the next decade, presents a unique challenge. Older workers, less inclined to embrace digital technology, are being replaced by “digital natives” who welcome these advancements with open arms. This generational shift offers both a hurdle and an opportunity for AI/ML implementation.
Marina Donovan, Vice President of Global Marketing, ESG and Public Affairs for Itron, sheds light on the benefits and barriers of AI and ML in the water and wastewater sector. “Water and wastewater utilities stand to see numerous benefits from adopting and integrating AI and ML,” Donovan asserts. “The primary benefits will be the optimization of operations and improvements surrounding the reliability of service delivery.” AI and ML can automate routine processes, reduce manual labor, and enhance predictive maintenance, leading to significant cost savings and improved service reliability. For instance, AI-driven tools can analyze real-time system data to identify potential equipment failures before they occur, preventing costly downtime. Additionally, AI can optimize water distribution and treatment processes, reducing operational costs and enhancing sustainability efforts.
However, the path to widespread AI and ML implementation is fraught with challenges. The Itron Resourcefulness Insight Report highlights several barriers, including a lack of technical expertise and the high cost of implementation. Many utilities operate on limited budgets, and the initial investments and ongoing maintenance costs of AI and ML technologies can be prohibitive. Furthermore, the reliance on legacy systems that lack the infrastructure to support data-intensive technologies poses a significant challenge. Many older systems simply cannot keep up with the demands of AI and ML, creating integration and performance issues.
The workforce readiness issue is particularly concerning. Without a skilled workforce, operational inefficiencies could continue to grow, stalling progress in areas such as predictive maintenance, real-time decision-making, and resource conservation. “A skilled workforce is an essential component of operating AI and ML technologies,” Donovan warns. “Without it, operational inefficiencies that already exist could continue to grow while diminishing any future opportunities for optimization.”
To bridge the skills gap, Donovan suggests several proactive steps. Investing in education and training programs to upskill current employees is a crucial first step. Specialized AI training programs tailored to water utilities, along with workshops and webinars from industry associations, can equip employees with the necessary tools and knowledge. Additionally, partnerships with trade organizations and educational institutions can create effective pipelines for recruiting and training the next generation of water utility operators. Local workforce development, tailored to address regional requirements, can also help utilities prepare employees for unique operational demands and infrastructure upgrades.
The implications of not addressing these challenges are stark. Without a skilled workforce, utilities risk falling behind in operational efficiency, resource conservation, and service delivery. As population growth and severe weather events continue to drive higher demands for water, the importance of AI and ML solutions becomes increasingly evident. Integrating these technologies can increase efficiency, strengthen the workforce, and bolster critical infrastructure.
The water and wastewater sector stands on the precipice of a digital revolution. By embracing AI and ML, utilities can optimize operations, reduce costs, and enhance service reliability. However, to fully realize these benefits, the sector must address the challenges of workforce readiness, legacy systems, and implementation costs. The path forward is clear: invest in education, foster partnerships, and embrace the digital future. The time to act is now, for the future of water and wastewater management depends on it.
