The Water-AI Nexus™ Center of Excellence has released two resources designed to move artificial intelligence from pilot projects to everyday operations in water and wastewater systems.
Their new insight report, "Principles for AI and the Future of Work in Water: Building an AI-Empowered Water Workforce," lays out four principles centered on a worker-first approach to AI adoption. It tackles pressing challenges including looming labor shortages in the water sector, while making the case that AI should augment — not replace — the expertise of water professionals. Governance, public trust, accountability, safety, and transparency are all treated as non-negotiables.
Alongside the report, a new training course — AI 101 for Water Professionals — offers practical grounding in the Water-AI Nexus framework and responsible AI use. Built for professionals at all levels, the course equips teams to make confident, informed decisions about how to use AI in their organizations.
Together, these resources reflect a clear message: the water sector can't afford to either ignore AI or adopt it carelessly. The goal is an AI-ready workforce that keeps human judgment at the center.
