The Role of Generative AI (GenAI) for the Global Water Sector

This project will experiment with practical, incremental applications of existing Large Language Models (LLMs) such as OpenAI, Copilot, Google, Meta, and Amazon as tools to help bring efficiencies to everyday processes in utilities and explore any potential risks. The primary emphasis will be on demonstrating and experimenting with smaller, more immediate capabilities that can directly benefit water utilities today, while contributing to addressing critical water sector challenges. Top challenges identified in AWWA’s State of the Water Industry report include water resource and environmental resilience, infrastructure management, and public understanding of the value of water – all of which are themes emphasized as part of AWWA’s Water 2050 initiative.