5 Ways Artificial Intelligence is Set to Transform Water Management
2025 has been dubbed the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, shining a spotlight on the growing role of computing and artificial intelligence (AI) in tackling the world’s most pressing challenges. One of the most urgent? Water. The World Economic Forum reports that 50% of the world’s freshwater resources are already significantly degraded due to population growth, deficiencies in planning and land use, and climate challenges.
To address this global threat, the water sector is embracing cutting-edge technologies. More and more water operators are turning to digital platforms that integrate AI and operational intelligence systems to improve how water systems are managed. These solutions analyze huge amounts of data – from IoT sensors, SCADA and GIS systems – to spot leaks, predict problems, and improve performance and reliability. The results are transformational.
AI-powered tools are delivering major savings in water, energy and costs while providing real-time, data-driven decision-making to boost resilience and water security for everyone.
Key AI trends for the water sector
In a recently published report, Water Technology Trends 2025 – Revolutionizing Water Management with the Power of Digital Technology, Xylem Vue identifies five areas where AI can be applied to transform water management worldwide.
2025 AI trends for water include:
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Dynamic treatment plant operations – AI will continue to revolutionize treatment plants through systems that adjust processes in real time, including reagent dosing and treatment train control. This will improve operational resilience to extreme events and streamline energy resource use.
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Demand forecasting – Advanced AI algorithms will play a key role in accurately anticipating consumption peaks. By integrating resource management platforms, operators can accurately predict and respond to user behaviors and weather events. Utilities who can make automatic adjustments in water distribution and storage can reduce waste.
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Energy optimization – AI can optimize energy consumption in pumping stations and treatment plants through predictive models that adjust operations according to demand. These solutions, which have already cut energy consumption by 25%, will become even more efficient with the integration of real-time climate and consumption data.
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Early problem detection – As AI systems become more advanced, they’ll be able to spot leaks, fraud, and operational issues earlier. This means lower maintenance costs and greater resilience for operators – and for consumers, it opens the door to real-time alerts about water challenges in their communities, helping everyone stay informed and conserve more effectively.
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Wastewater treatment optimization – AI will continue to transform wastewater treatment. Digital twins will become more sophisticated, simulating complex scenarios to anticipate problems before they occur. Predictive systems will help operators adapt to evolving environmental standards. These advancements will allow operators to simulate variations in water quality and identify new solutions to water challenges.
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AI in action: Yorkshire Water Services cut visible leaks by 57%
Yorkshire Water Services was looking to cut water leakage and improve operations at its Sheffield, UK, site. As part of its trailblazing Hadfield Smart Water Network project, the utility partnered with Xylem to implement the Xylem Vue integrated software and analytics platform. The platform integrates data from multiple smart sensors and systems regardless of manufacturer and presents it in a single solution.
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By harnessing the power of machine learning and artificial intelligence, the innovative solution optimized water network management across multiple fronts, from monitoring water losses to community engagement and customer service.
The project cut visible leaks by 57% and reduced leakage in high-priority district metered areas by 32%. Additionally, the utility has reduced main repairs by 30% on an annual basis from what was previously required. The Sheffield pilot program won the 2023 Smart Water Networks Award at the Water Industry Awards.
AI in Action: SADM realizes water savings up to 37% in key pipeline sections
In Mexico, the state of Nuevo León has grappled with severe drought conditions in recent years. Servicios de Agua y Drenaje de Monterrey, I.P.D. (SADM), a water utility serving an urban area of more than five million people, was looking for proven technology to help it address water scarcity challenges.
SADM implemented Xylem Vue with Leak Detection and Unified Network Management. The solution enables SADM to conduct smart monitoring and management of water pressure, flow and consumption, and integrates data to help identify potential anomalies that point to visible and hidden leaks.
As a result of this project, SADM has realized overall water savings of 17% – and up to 37% in certain key sections of pipeline.
Learn more about 2025 Water Technology Trends.