Impact of transformative technology/AI on ensuring clean drinking water in 2024
By Vijender Reddy Muthyala
Throughout history, human civilization has been dependent on clean water sources for its survival. With the increasing population and alarming rise of pollution levels, this elixir of life has become a coveted resource.
Although access to clean drinking water is a fundamental human right, the reality differs. According to reports by the UN, almost 40 percent of people globally are affected by water scarcity and a shocking 2.2 billion people do not have access to safe water. A staggering one thousand children die every day globally due to preventable waterborne diseases, caused by a host of pathogens in water like bacteria. They contaminate water mainly due to improper sanitation practices and sewage spills into drinking water sources.
Though decision-makers are actively involved in solving these issues, factors like high costs, the need for advanced technology, etc. are widening the chasm between the goal and reality. It is in this scenario that artificial intelligence (AI), with its data-backed approach, and cutting-edge technology, is becoming a game-changer in the governance of our water resources.
How is AI helping solve the water crisis?
We, as humans, survive by learning the things going around us. AI mimics this aspect of human intelligence by learning and adapting to data, but at a much larger scale. AI is already integrated into your daily life from your streaming devices, which recommends programs based on your viewership history to suggestions on shopping websites based on your shopping history. It can have far-reaching benefits in water management, by providing cost effect and real time solutions, irrespective of geography. Here are some ways AI ensures water safety worldwide:
Identify contaminants: The image and pattern recognition technologies driven by AI help quickly zero in on specific contaminants in water samples. This helps chalk out customized purification processes to tackle the specific contaminant quickly and effectively that can be used by countries depending on their unique topography and contaminants with equal efficiency.
Employ predictive analytics: AI can examine historical data related to water quality and pollution sources and predict potential contamination. With the use of these patterns, the authorities can take proactive measures to curb contamination.
Monitor data: With regular monitoring and its capability to analyse huge volumes of data, AI-backed systems can help policy and decision-makers make better-informed decisions related to water purification and management.
Effluent management: By making use of predictive control, AI optimises various processes to ensure that the effluents are devoid of harmful contaminants. They analyse data related to wastewater treatment and recommend solutions based on it for maximum effectiveness.
Improved water treatment: By analysing complex data, AI can arrive at the most optimal and cost-effective water treatment methods. This can significantly lead to less chemical usage and lowered energy consumption and costs, which is beneficial to the environment as well.
Real-time surveillance: Water quality parameters can be continuously monitored with AI-backed sensors in real-time, to predict potential pollution or aberrations. This helps prevent waterborne infections.
Helps prevent leakage and optimise water usage: By inspecting data from water distribution networks, AI can detect leaks, thereby, helping prevent them and conserving water. Similarly, by examining consumption patterns AI can provide understanding to individuals as well as industries on responsible water usage practices.
By combining AI with the water purification and quality sphere, we can bring about a tremendous improvement in the water management world, making it more sustainable, robust, and efficient, to combat water challenges.
(The author is Vijender Reddy Muthyala, Co-founder & CEO, DrinkPrime, and the views expressed in this article are his own)
