For many it is not strange that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is immersed in the things we do daily in our environment; however, what is AI and how is it defined? «. As Lasse Rouhiainen defines it: «AI is the ability of machines to use algorithms, learn from data and use what they have learned in decision-making just as a human being would.» Examples of everyday AI applications abound such as: chatbots, spell checking in Word, the default messages in emails, text translators, smart cars, smart management for identifying people who appear in photos, smart houses or buildings, etc.

Advances in AI have led to a differential impact on the different productive sectors, but how has it impacted on the area of ​​water resources? Can AI be used in the execution and development of water projects? If we compare the performance, diffusion and applicability of AI in the management of water resources, in sectors such as communication, transport, e-commerce, etc., the advantage of the latter is very long. However, important efforts are rescued that foresee great optimism around the need to apply accelerated digital transformation:

Identification of patterns and trends in data in real time, to support immediate decision making and early warning systems.

Prediction and evaluation of the impacts of extreme events such as droughts.

Portable underground leak detection in water supply systems.

Use of smart meters in homes to improve water efficiency.

Satellite images to identify areas of favorable water potential or survey of spatial information to deal with floods.

Optimization and design of water networks.

Quantification of water losses due to leaks, analyzing variables in real time, sending alerts when anomalies are detected.

Optimization of desalination and water treatment processes.

Every day the importance of the use of AI increases to solve problems such as increasing water stress and lack of access to it #Tomateloenserio and we direct efforts to implement new technologies, guaranteeing an intelligent and sustainable water management, let’s make objective N° 6 a reality. Sustainable Development 6: Clean Water and Sanitation for All.