Ai can solve water problem

Both AI and IoT driven technological solutions are being used in many
industries today. For instance the demonstrated AI & IoT future use cases for
water crisis management would even facilitate us to stay connected with devices
for frequent monitoring purpose.

Scientists and governments all over the world are looking for more robust ways
to effectively manage water. All aspects of the water management such as how it
is collected, stored and distributed needs a technological makeover. Artificial
intelligence is promising to profoundly reshape the way we manage water.

Many organisations have started implementing artificial intelligence for water

resource management, to help overcome water crisis. By applying AI in water
resource management, researchers are able to come up with sustainable water
supply models for people around the world.

Implementing AI-based algorithms and programs to water treatment plants can

not only give the accurate current status of the resource but also helps to build
prediction models for future use of water. AI-powered programs and sensors can
monitor water resource condition in a dynamic and intelligent way and helps to
come up with better strategies.

Smart monitoring of waterways

AI technology makes it possible to visualize the real time data of waterways for
future projection and risk management. The AI systems could be even
programmed to send out a warning to the devices when the water level arrives at
a specific level of a parameter. The futuristic implementation of AI device
models could incorporate machine learning algorithms to make decisions on
whether we should shut off a certain water station to prevent unclean water
intrusions, increase in water levels & distribution of water to other water
stations.

Intelligent water metering

Internet of Things (IoT) has made it possible for smart metering, meter data
management, distribution monitoring and control of water supply. Also you can
remotely detect and diagnose leaks, reverse flow and unusually high water usage
which in turn helps us gain better distribution and control on water resource
management costs. The application of AI & IoT technologies has made it
possible to timely manage usage of water in cities prone to water shortage.

Better infrastructure development

By implementing AI, water management authorities can create strategic and

dynamic operations. Cities can better plan and execute projects, run water
distribution networks more efficiently and ensure minimum running cost, all
while meeting increasing consumer demands. AI-powered resource planning can
analyse growth projections and future trends in availability of fresh water while
assessing current infrastructure to increase efficiency and reduce expense.

Reliable water re-use system

AI is poised to radically change the way water management systems in the world
operate and manage water resources. Because of its ability to analyse and handle
a large amount of data, Artificial intelligence is a viable technology for water
asset management. AI models enable water management companies and cities to
build efficient water re-use systems. It has the potential to bring significant
improvement in terms of cutting wastage of water, increasing the efficiency of
treatment plants and keeping overall water infrastructure healthy. Moreover, AI
is highly scalable and economically feasible.

Implementation of smart farming techniques

Predicting hydrological concerns like precipitation, rainfall and groundwater

management require a large amount of detailed and accurate data about the water
systems. However, AI techniques such as Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) can
be used as a cost-effective alternative to big data mechanisms. For example,
ANN can be used to simulate a decreasing groundwater trend by providing
precipitation, temperature and groundwater level data. With Artificial Neural
Networks, one can get ‘updated statistics’ about the present situation of the
resource and help to build sustainable models for future farming situations &
possible farming techniques.

Intelligent water treatment

The decision-making abilities of AI can be used to automate and optimize the
water treatment plants. Using water monitoring tools and data registry of a water
source, AI can forecast water shortage at a particular point in time or predict a
high demand in water supply from the master storage. The system also helps to
visualize real-time water loss and misuse of resources.

As water utility industries begin to implement AI techniques and methodologies,

AI can understand more about the unique water challenges in their local
environments and can provide unique solutions. From seasonal weather shifts to
increasing customer demands, water management bodies can operate more
effectively, ensuring clean water for all.

Proven implementations of AI & IoT in Water Management

Many countries have already proven that with AI & IoT technology, decoupling
of water use with economic growth is possible through better economical
planning & water management.

For instance in Australia, the water consumption declined by around 50%

between 2002 - 2009 while the total economy grew by more than 40%. Many
Australian water utility plants are using artificial intelligence (AI) to cut down
electricity costs in their water treatment plants. Here, the custom-made AI-driven
solution coordinates the pump movements with the level of water available for
treatment purpose without any human intervention.

In addition, AI & IoT has given a new ray of hope for the alarming water
shortage in Chennai. Proper application of AI & IoT solutions would even allow
governments to create holistic water management and distribution plans that can
take into account the entire water cycle distribution starting from source of water
supply to distribution, economic use, treatment, recycling, reuse and return to the
physical environment.

Even in less developed countries like Africa, many non-profit organizations have
found ways to provide safe drinking water to over 10 million people through the
use AI & IoT. Artificial intelligence even makes it possible to have a faster
response team for repair works. Forecasts had shown that the drinking water
availability would increase by up to 25 million people over the next 2 years
through the installation of over 1,20,000 more water taps.
You think indian cities will see day zero

The world’s second-most populous country is running out of water. India is facing
one of its major and most serious water crisis. According to the Composite
Water Management Index (CWMI) released by the NITI Aayog in 2018, 21 major
cities including Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Hyderabad, are racing to
reach zero groundwater levels by 2020.

The CWMI report also said the crisis is only going to get worse. By 2030, the
country’s water demand is projected to be twice the available supply, implying
severe water scarcity for hundreds of millions of people and an eventual 6% loss
in the country’s GDP. The report also stated India is placed at 120th amongst 122
countries in the water quality index.

"Large parts of India have already been living with 'Day Zero' for a while
now," said Mridula Ramesh, author of The Climate Solution: India's Climate
Change Crisis and What We Can Do About It.

"Much of it is because of bad management. Most cities lose between a third and
a fifth of their water from pilferage or leakage through antiquated pipes, and we
don't treat and reuse wastewater enough," she said.

Over 12% of India's population - 163 million people of 1.3 billion - is already
living the "Day Zero" scenario, with no access to clean water near their home,
according to a 2018 WaterAid report. That is the most of any country in the world.
With the taps dry, people are forced to dig ever-deeper wells or buy water.

Solutions to Tackle the Extreme Water Crisis

Over the years, it has been recognised that the government alone can't solve this
crisis. Luckily, various startups have developed solutions using emerging
technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence and more.
This could be their moment to rise and save the country from an extreme water
crisis. Here's a list of startups that are leveraging technology to provide much-
needed water solutions to India.

AMRIT, Arsenic and Metal Removal by Indian Technology, is a nanoparticle-

based water technology that is making arsenic-free water a reality in India. The
water purifier is in use in several places in West Bengal. The Union Ministry of
Drinking Water and Sanitation is reportedly recommending its usage in all states
that are affected by arsenic contamination.

Kheyti, a Hyderabad-based startup that provides technology solutions for

farmers by developing a “Greenhouse-in-a-box” – an affordable, modular
greenhouse bundled with full stack services that use 90 per cent less water, grows
7 times more food and gives farmers a steady dependable income.

WaterWalla, have developed an innovative, low-cost water filter that mitigates

arsenic and bacteria by affixing directly to handpumps, the primary source of
water supply in villages.

Vassar Labs, offers technology-based solutions in crucial sectors such as

agriculture, water management, education and smart city planning, using new-
age technologies such as machine learning and Internet of Things (IoT). The
platform enables its customers to gain real-time visibility into last mile processes
and have actionable insights through decision support.

NextDrop, a startup that tackles the problem of water scarcity by tracking water
supply for utilities. The Bangalore-based platform informs its users at what time
water will be supplied in their area, if there are any delays, and most importantly
if there is a cancellation by using basing mobile phone. Consumers can
accordingly plan appropriately.

Hydrofinity, and parent company, Xeros Technology Group, have developed

unique water-saving XOrb™ and XDrum™ technologies that can be
incorporated into domestic and commercial washing machines. By replacing
most of the water in the wash cycle with XOrbs, Hydrofinity are able to limit
water use by up to 80 percent.