#USA #Generative AI #Denver #Water Utilities #AWWA

Water Sector Unites for Generative AI Research Project

In an unprecedented collaboration, the American Water Works Association (AWWA), the Water Environment Federation (WEF), The Water Research Foundation (WRF), and Karmous Edwards Consulting (KEC) have come together to embark on a transformative initiative aimed at exploring the capabilities and applications of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) within the global water sector. Launched on January 16, 2025, this pioneering project seeks to redefine the operations and management approaches of water utilities through advanced digital solutions.

The research endeavor is set to establish a comprehensive understanding of how GenAI can be effectively integrated into water utility operations. As the water industry faces mounting challenges relating to infrastructure management, resource allocation, environmental resilience, and public engagement, this project aims to provide actionable insights and innovative best practices through a meticulous exploration of GenAI applications.

David LaFrance, CEO of AWWA, expressed the monumental significance of this venture, stating, "Generative AI is a game changer that will transform the water community in ways we cannot yet fully imagine. The amazing members of the project team will lay the foundation to bring unimagined possibilities into our daily strategic operations. AWWA is proud to be part of this groundbreaking exploration."

Working in partnership with utilities from diverse regions, including South Korea and the United Kingdom, KEC will serve as the technical expert leading this effort. The multi-faceted project focuses on employing GenAI to address critical industry challenges, thereby enhancing the capabilities of water utilities of all sizes. Notably, GenAI's powerful analytical capabilities will enable utilities to draw insights from massive sets of data—both structured and unstructured—optimizing decision-making processes and resource management.

As Ralph Exton, Executive Director of WEF, mentioned, "The emergence of GenAI technologies represents a significant opportunity to further transform the water sector by providing powerful, accessible solutions for utilities of all sizes." He underscored the importance of embracing digital transformation to respond more effectively to current and future water challenges.

Importantly, this project recognizes that GenAI can augment human resources rather than replace them. It aims to empower professionals in the water sector to concentrate on higher-value tasks, facilitating more informed decision-making and spurring innovation. Gigi Karmous-Edwards, principal at Karmous Edwards Consulting, highlighted the project’s ambition: "Together, we aim to leverage the cost-effective yet sophisticated capabilities of generative AI 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."

The anticipated outcomes of this initiative will set the groundwork for new strategies that effectively leverage GenAI technology. This includes identifying best practices while also addressing potential cybersecurity risks associated with digital transformation in water management. Project results, including case studies and lessons learned from utilities experienced in implementing GenAI strategies, are expected to be released in late 2025, providing valuable information for the entire sector to gauge the potential of these new tools.

Dr. Peter Grevatt, CEO of WRF, expressed enthusiasm about the project's benefits, stating, "This exciting project will gather insights and lessons learned from utilities who already have experience implementing GenAI strategies. These case studies will help others across the water sector see the potential associated with the use of these new tools, while demonstrating how to pursue secure experimentation, thereby mitigating the cybersecurity concerns sometimes associated with GenAI."

For those interested in following the progress of this innovative project, updates will be available on the WRF's official website as the research unfolds. The collaboration of these prominent organizations marks an essential step toward a digitally transformed water sector, aiming to secure sustainable and efficient water management solutions for the future.

About AWWA

Established in 1881, AWWA is the premier nonprofit scientific and educational association focused on managing and treating water, which is deemed the world's most vital resource. With roughly 50,000 members, AWWA provides essential solutions that enhance public health, protect the environment, and foster economic growth.

About WEF

The Water Environment Federation, founded in 1928, operates as a not-for-profit organization composed of over 30,000 individual members along with 75 affiliated Member Associations. The organization is dedicated to inspiring the water community to pursue environmental and human well-being through education and innovation.

About WRF

The Water Research Foundation is a leading nonprofit educational organization that funds, manages, and disseminates research pertinent to the technology, operation, and management of water systems, ensuring the delivery of quality services to the public.

This compelling project exemplifies how collaborative efforts in the water sector, leveraging the capabilities of advanced technologies like GenAI, can pave the way for innovative solutions to pressing contemporary and future water challenges.