From Zero-to-Hero: How AI Becomes the Potential Solution for Water Deficiencies

The Growing Concern: The Zero

Not that we were sleeping on it, but here's a wake-up call from the tech world: Tech companies with significant and thirsty data centers are in a “serious relationship” with water, and it's complicated. IT Companies and their new technologies are provoking a constant thirst for cold water, mainly for cooling down the servers that keep the quantum computing, blockchain, and AI services “cool” and running. Research says that In 2022, all of these “drank” over 2 billion cubic meters of freshwater.?

Now, let’s follow the path of what's fueling this thirst. This concern is not from yesterday; it’s been here for decades, but something new is sparking a new wave. Believe it or not, AI. The ML Models aren’t just about algorithms and data. It also has to do with building big data centers and keeping those massive servers cool. Little known facts, at least for us, are that the behind-the-scenes models require enormous amounts of water to function. Why? - As we said, to cool down.

Researchers at the University of California, Riverside, and the University of Texas at Arlington put it straightforward: AI's water footprint is big and hasn’t gotten the spotlight it deserves. But it’s getting there, and there is light at the end of the tunnel.?

Another one, the blockchain, is a big consumer of fresh water. Reports say blockchain technology slurps enough water for one transaction to fill one garden pool. The chain reaction is simple: mining Bitcoin needs enormous computing power to solve the mathematics on the Internet. And for this, It uses, you guessed it right, water. It evaporates and cools down the computers at those large building data centers. On top of that, it is used to lower the temperature of coal and gas-fired power plants that power the cryptocurrency mining computers. So, you can say that in this situation, the water is the powering fuel to keep the engine running.?

“It's just one backyard swimming pool going, going up in the air, literally evaporating on average per Bitcoin transaction,” said Alex de Vries, the study’s author and Ph.D. student at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.

Another fact is that In just one year, US data centers soaked up 12.7 billion liters of fresh water, most of it fit to drink. And while training AI models might not sound like a big deal, it can consume 700,000 liters of water — the volume that could roll hundreds of cars off the production line.?

In addition to all of this, the World Health Organization says that over 2 billion people use a drinking water source contaminated with feces, and 785 million do not have a drinking water service. Some of the severe risks of diseases as a response to this include cholera, typhoid, and diarrhea, especially for children and vulnerable populations. Plus, water scarcity and stress can lead to conflicts, migration, and food insecurity.

This leads to finding sustainable and innovative solutions for water deficiencies and making it a global challenge and a human right.

The Most Popular Damage/Problem (for now):

Let's put more familiar faces to the challenge: the LLM models. I know you’ve been waiting for them. So, put in short, a simple back-and-forth chat with a popular AI, spanning just 20-50 questions, drinks the equivalent of a 500ml water bottle. You won’t want to multiply that by its 100 million users. You will probably notice that the problem is becoming more and more serious, and you will cherish every sip of water from that bottle in front of you.?

However, always look on the bright side of life.?

Being aware of these terms, the big players in tech are talking about becoming water-positive by 2030. This is a good thing because if you want someone to solve this, the big minds can do it. It isn’t just about servers’ thirst but balancing our tech appetite with the planet's health. The digital world’s water habits need a severe rethink and fast.

AI as a Solution: Becoming The Hero:

Don’t imagine it as the superhero with a red cape, but it’s promising to become one. At the heart of AI's superpowers is its knack for sifting through mountains of data, picking up patterns and insights. Imagine data scientists and software wizards crafting algorithms that don't just crunch numbers but learn from them. It isn't just tech talk; it's how water utilities are starting to make decisions that are not just smarter but sharper and more on point. AI is turning the tide, enabling a flow of decisions informed by deep data dives and insights, guiding water utilities towards choices that were once hidden deep in the data.

1. Revolution in Murray Island: The FIDO AI system transformed Murray Island, Australia, resulting in severe water restrictions being lifted for the first time in more than 20 years. By deploying sensors and a user-friendly app, FIDO pinpointed leaks instantly. This collaboration, including Asset Life Alliance and UWS, showcases AI's ability to conserve water in remote communities.
2. AI Insights in South Africa: In the semi-arid Ramotswa aquifer, an AI pilot project unveils water sustainability patterns. This cutting-edge approach analyzes complex data to aid decision-making, ensuring water management adapts to the needs of both South Africa and Botswana. On top of that, my favorite from this type of project is that it can monitor the changes in water chemistry and quality.?
3. Germany's Urban Water Innovation: AI is reshaping urban water management in Germany. Kompetenzzentrum Wasser Berlin's use of AI for sewer forecasting is a game-changer, enhancing maintenance strategies and filling crucial data gaps. The breakthroughs at KWB are merely the beginning. AI's potential in asset management stretches far beyond what we've seen. From predictive maintenance to optimizing operational efficiency, AI solutions are redefining the playbook for utilities. They're turning what was once a daunting task of managing sprawling infrastructure into a more manageable, precise, and cost-effective endeavor.
4. Water Safety Monitoring: Imagine detecting harmful particles in water before they become a health hazard. AI's deep learning neural networks are doing just that, scrutinizing water at microscopic levels, enabling quicker responses to contamination.?“Clean Water AI uses a deep-learning neural network to detect dangerous bacteria and harmful particles in water. Drinking water can be seen at a microscopic level with real-time detection.”
5. Yorkshire Water's AI Leap: Yorkshire Water uses AI to predict sewer blockages, reducing pollution risks. Their integrated system on Siemens’ MindSphere identifies potential issues, dramatically improving the accuracy and timeliness of pollution prevention. This pilot project, across Yorkshire's vast network of over 2,000 CSOs, leverages the power of integrated sensing, communication, analytics, and reporting. The core of this solution? SIWA Blockage Predictor, hosted on Siemens’ MindSphere platform, crunches real-time data from sensors monitoring water levels. The real-time analysis this solution offers doesn't just monitor; it predicts. With an astonishing ability to provide up to two weeks' notice of potential blockages, the system identified 9 out of 10 potential issues, tripling the success rate of existing processes and halving false alarms. This isn't just data science - it's a forward-thinking approach to safeguarding homes and the environment from sewage pollution.
6. The WWF Water Risk Filter emerges as a critical comrade. It was developed in collaboration between the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and the German Development Finance Institution (DEG). This tool stands at the forefront of AI's battle against water risks. In battling terms, we can say it’s a revolution, using satellite imagery, remote sensing, and machine learning to paint a comprehensive picture of water scarcity, quality, and variability for businesses and investors.
7. Imagine a city where water levels, flows, and quality are monitored and optimized through AI. That could be the reality in Amsterdam, thanks to the Waternet project by the Amsterdam Institute for Advanced Metropolitan Solutions (AMS). This initiative is a pure “masterclass” in intelligent water management, using sensors, data analytics, and machine learning to stand still fighting for the city from flooding, drought, and pollution.?
8. Watergen is teaching science fiction and transforming myths into science facts. Have you heard that you can produce clean drinking water from the air? - Well, these people in Watergen can do that with a blend of AI and a patented condensation process. This company's technology optimizes energy use and adapts to varying climatic conditions. Producing up to 900 liters of water per day, Watergen isn't just creating water; it's creating hope for regions parched by water scarcity

Concluding The Vision:?

Uniting for a Common Cause: Water doesn't recognize borders, nor should our efforts to conserve it. It's a global challenge seeking local solutions. Imagine this: every individual effort is only one piece, but we can create an enormous and beautiful puzzle of change together. We can achieve impactful results by harnessing global technologies for local water issues. It's about being more than just a 'well-behaved fish in a dirty pond'; it's about cleaning the pond itself.

Technology is Our Ally, meaning AI, IoT, and sensing technologies can be considered superheroes of water management. Industries heavily relying on water can significantly benefit from AI's predictive prowess in water usage and optimizing distribution. AI isn't just about crunching numbers; it's about finding leaks, exploring groundwater, and more. With a projected $6.3 billion investment in AI-based water technologies by 2030, we're looking at a golden opportunity for businesses to make a real difference.

The final puzzle piece lies with startups. These trailblazers, armed with AI-driven predictions and novel desalination techniques, are redefining water conservation. It's time for the big players to join forces with these innovators. We can turbocharge the journey towards a water-secure world through strategic investments and collaborations.