Today we are seeing a wave of conversational Artificial Intelligence (AI) sweeping across several sectors. Each domain is looking to feature AI-based solutions to automate routine transactions and processes. This growth in Conversational AI is simply the start. Therefore the future will see conversational AI’s deployment in home automation, automobiles, marketing, advertising, and e-learning, as economies globally undergo digital transformation. Similarly, AI is making its mark on the water industry. It’s powering intelligent operations using machine learning to optimise water use and operational budgets.
It’s always been seen that human settlements and population boom have always been hooked into a reliant supply of water for drinking and other domestic purposes. With the ever-increasing population, there has been a continuing depletion of the quality of freshwater resources; there has always been ongoing research for technologies which will ensure a clean, potable and continuous facility. The recent Union Budget also announced Jal Jeevan Urban Mission which aims to functional household tap connections to 2.86 Cr households, in line with the Centre’s rural water system project launched in 2019. computer science (AI) in cleantech offers exactly this promise. A 2019 PwC report titled “Artificial Intelligence and also the Fate of Planet Earth” recognised water together of the four key industries where AI can generate $5.2 Tn.
AI in Irrigation
70% of freshwater use today is in agriculture, and repair efficiency is smaller than 50%. AI can streamline water use in agriculture by reducing the water utilised in irrigation. At a basic level, AI systems can estimate the water demand by factoring within the stage of crop growth and managing sprinklers and drips. Advanced techniques can predict the atmospheric condition, rain, humidity, etc., and guide the sprinkler systems accordingly.
A widening range of systems and solutions combine to make the digitally-empowered future farm, which utilises the minimum amount of water.
AI in conservation
Smart meters can identify leaks and pipe damages in residential areas and other public water points in informal settlements resulting in more efficient systems. As per reports, AI-enabled Smart meters deployed in South Korea have reduced leakage and costs by 20%. to handle the water utilities’ growing demand for IoT solutions, companies are building their capabilities by partnering with the Internet of Things (IoT) platform vendors like an expert within the water sector. These systems will reduce pilferage and wastage and produce a discount on the unaccounted-for-water. Thus, AI systems can predict water demand and manage water distribution more efficiently.
AI in Water Treatment
All substances dispersed within wastewater can have varying toxicity levels and require suitable treatment to minimise their environmental impact. Wastewater facilities must leverage technologies that supply real-time visibility into the effluent levels at remote wastewater sites and manage them effectively. AI and machine learning are often used for more practical water treatment processes, detecting problems, and ensuring an early allocation of efforts.
AI in Water Sanitation and Hygiene Sector
Every person needs to have access to water. Everyone should have equal access to it as a fundamental right, without exception. Water security faces significant obstacles due to environmental deterioration, climate change, and population growth. Several devices use AI to find harmful bacteria and particulates in the water. Similarly, computing and machine learning are often used for more practical water treatment processes, seeing problems of pollutants in water, and ensuring an early allocation of efforts. AI can incubate developments like AI toilets capable of analysing faeces and diagnosing diseases. AI-driven solutions can combine data analysis to supply more practical water treatment methods. These enhancements can detect harmful bacteria and pollutants in water and minimise waste in several sectors. AI can improve water-use efficiency and point to specific directions for an early allocation of efforts in sanitation support.
These are but a few examples of the vast potential that AI for cleantech opens up. Prices will decrease as technology adoption increases. The systems will operate more effectively as a result of the cost reduction. When we can control this positive cycle, we can protect the planet’s most valuable resource: water. All we need to do is initiate this cycle and take this up on priority.
Photo by Michael Dziedzic on Unsplash
