Water Policy in an AI World
After decades of slow adoption of new technologies (US Water Alliance: Accelerate technology adoption to build efficiency and improve water service), the water sector is embracing AI as part of its digital transformation. AI has found its way into many potentially transformative applications, from water utilities to industrial applications, watershed monitoring, and forecasting.
One area that has yet to be addressed is how AI applications could soon start to shape local, regional, and national water policies. This topic has gained my attention from conversations with my colleagues at ?FIDO Tech and Earth Finance and also a recent article in the Economist (July 27th, 2024, “Africa 2.0)” page 12).
First, the article on Africa 2.0.
According to the Economist, Africa has less international bandwidth than Brazil. For at least two decades, experts have called for increased broadband coverage to accelerate employment across the continent and unlock its formidable economic power. The rise of AI applications has given these calls new urgency. The investment needed to roll out broadband at such a scale is certainly within Africa’s grasp. Look at its impressive adoption of mobile phones in the early 2000s. Sub-Saharan Africa alone now boasts about 500 million mobile phone subscriptions.
Imagine the impact on African economic growth, employment, and social well-being if investment in internet connectivity was coupled with AI applications. Africa first needs vastly expanded internet cable connectivity and data centers. Currently, the entire continent of some 1.5 billion people has less bandwidth than the Netherlands, whose population is just 18 million.
Now, let us look at the potential impact of AI applications in addressing one of Africa’s most pressing issues: water scarcity and infrastructure. With sufficient bandwidth and data center infrastructure, how much could AI applications achieve to help address water issues in Africa? Building a sustainable and resilient water future for Africa will enormously impact economic development, business growth, social well-being, and ecosystem health.
The state of water in Africa is tragic. World Health Organization figures indicate that about 1 in 3 people in Africa face water scarcity, and by 2025, 460 million are predicted to live in water-stressed areas. Regarding water infrastructure, over 411 million Africans (31%) need access to basic drinking water services, and only 15% (201 million people) have access to safely managed drinking water. In sub-Saharan Africa, the situation is even worse. Less than 25% of the urban population had access to safely managed water in 20196 (is this 2016 or 2019?).
So, what exactly is AI's potential to vastly improve water availability in Africa? Let’s examine what it can deliver.
●????? Data-Driven Decision-Making: AI can analyze vast amounts of data from various sources to provide policymakers with comprehensive insights for more informed decision-making.
o?? By processing historical data on water usage, weather patterns, population growth, and infrastructure conditions, AI can help predict future water demands and identify potential supply issues.
o?? Machine learning algorithms can detect trends and patterns humans might miss, allowing for more proactive and targeted policy interventions.
●????? Improved Resource Management: AI can optimize water resource allocation and distribution.
o?? AI-powered systems can analyze real-time water supply, demand, and quality data to suggest optimal distribution strategies.
o?? AI can help utilities reduce water waste and improve overall system performance by predicting water demand and identifying inefficiencies.
●????? Enhanced Infrastructure Planning: AI can support more effective infrastructure planning and maintenance.
○????? AI models can simulate various scenarios to help policymakers evaluate the potential impacts of different infrastructure investments.
○????? Predictive maintenance algorithms can identify potential issues in water infrastructure before they become critical, allowing for more cost-effective and proactive maintenance strategies.
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●????? Climate Change Adaptation: AI can play a crucial role in developing policies to address climate change impacts on water resources.
○????? AI-powered climate models can provide more accurate predictions of future water availability, helping policymakers develop long-term strategies for water security.
○????? AI can inform policies on flood management and drought preparedness by analyzing data on flood patterns and drought conditions.
●????? Water Quality Management: AI can enhance water quality monitoring and management.
o?? AI algorithms can analyze sensor data and water quality tests to detect contaminants and predict potential water quality issues.
o?? This can inform policies on water treatment standards and pollution control measures.
●????? Equitable Water Access: AI can help address issues of water equity and justice:
○????? By analyzing demographic data alongside water usage patterns, AI can identify areas of inequitable water access and inform policies to address these disparities.
○????? AI can also help optimize water pricing strategies to ensure affordability while promoting conservation.
●????? Public Engagement and Education: AI can support more effective public communication and engagement on water issues:
○????? AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants can provide the public real-time information on water quality, conservation tips, and policy updates.
○????? AI can analyze public feedback and social media data to gauge public sentiment on water policies, helping policymakers tailor their approaches.
While AI offers significant potential to enhance water policy development and implementation, human oversight and ethical considerations remain crucial. Policymakers must ensure that AI systems are transparent, unbiased, and aligned with broader societal goals. Additionally, policies should be in place to address potential issues such as data privacy and cybersecurity in AI-driven water management systems.
It is time to embrace AI applications to shape public policy and support investment in internet connectivity in Africa and globally to ensure a sustainable and resilient water future.
The current state of water availability due to man-made climate change and its impacts on the hydrologic cycle is an array of warning signs all flashing red, and it should be a catalyst for greater investment and innovation in technology and partnerships.
?The World Meteorological Organization’s report on stress in global water resources records five consecutive years of widespread low river flows, which is the wake-up call we need.
Schneider Electric - Sustainability Transformation Director - Nature (338.7ppm)
2 个月I'm with you Will - I believe AI is going to bring new insights which unblock the pipes of good on water management through radical transparency, decision making or automation. We've talked for ages about leap frog opportunities for places not burdened with archaic infrastructure... but the key will lie with capability development, culture shift (and internet connection!) - Who are our brave new water leaders doing it differently... Who are our Audrey Tangs of the water sector??? Rise Up Rise Up!
Strategic Communications and Public Affairs Expert
2 个月AI is challenging every sector! Together with Pablo Beytía with used AI, among other technologies, to analyze the public image of water sector and desalination technology in Chile. More on that (in Spanish): www.puntoceroconsultores.cl/reputaciondesalacion
We see water differently.
3 个月Will Sarni, all of the AI capabilities you mention are spot on. One more under resource management is the ability to better understand time of use to improve water ??. (Thank you Robert Bowcock ). Given the existing water stress in Africa, building more data centers will require advancements in engineering. According to recent research, one ChatGPT 100 word request consumes one 500ml bottle of water. ?? Those data centers will require a lot of local water. Let’s get creative!
International Sales Specialist @ G.I.S.S. Robert Bargolini |
3 个月If lobbyists have no idea, it is better that they stay at home with their opinions. Fido only sells hot air, and neither Fido nor her loyal supporters will change anything about any water crisis, although one has to distinguish between bad pipes, poor maintenance and management, climate-related changes and other factors. So it would be best to just keep your mouth shut if you have no idea. It's just shameful. That such opportunists are given a platform at all is a disgrace to the entire industry. In the end, only one question remains: Cui bono est.
Leading Water Systems Expert Advising on Digital Solutions
3 个月Thank you, Will. It took me some time to get to this, but my delay doesn't diminish the importance of the topic. I would like to add that AI is a crucial tool for improving access to water and sanitation in Africa, but not the only one. One powerful example of how new technologies can help is by reducing the distance people need to travel to access safe and clean water. Global Empowers is a social enterprise dedicated to uplifting and empowering communities. They aim to improve access to clean water for 340,000 people in rural Zambia by installing solar-powered water purification stations and piped water systems for schools and surrounding communities. Combining these efforts with simple sensors and AI can enhance the management and maintenance of these systems, ensuring uninterrupted and safe operation. This is just one of the many examples this technology can be leveraged in Africa to support the water supply and sanitation drive.