To find out more about how Xylem is applying data science in the real world, Making Waves is profiling some of our experts on the power and potential of distilling data into actionable insights.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is dominating global conversations, as people question what it will mean for society and how to identify the best ways to put its transformative powers to work responsibly. We’re already seeing the incredible impact of Amazon’s Alexa, Apple’s Siri and ChatGPT on our everyday lives. How will AI shape the future of water?

Xylem’s new thought leadership paper, Reimagining industrial water: From commodity to strategic asset, highlights how industrial facilities are transforming water management into a driver of efficiency and sustainability. Customers across food and beverage, semiconductor manufacturing, and microelectronics are leveraging advanced treatment and water management services to meet strict discharge limits, enable reuse, and maintain operational continuity.

Industrial manufacturers that rely on metal processing face growing pressure to control wastewater costs, meet discharge requirements, and increase water reuse. Chris Riley, Technical Services Director at Xylem, explains how a Texas-based satellite manufacturer achieved zero liquid discharge and avoided wastewater hauling, using reverse osmosis, electrodeionization, and Water One® WX wastewater ion exchange.

As phosphorus limits tighten across the UK, wastewater utilities are turning to proven, scalable treatment solutions to protect water quality and plan for growth. At its Knostrop Wastewater Treatment Works, Yorkshire Water adopted Xylem’s innovative CoMag™ ballasted clarification technology to meet stricter discharge requirements while increasing treatment capacity and improving operational efficiency.

The Terminal Island Water Reclamation Plant (TIWRP) at LA Sanitation and Environment is a global trailblazer in water reuse, harnessing recycled water to safeguard its groundwater reserves against saltwater intrusion and meet the city’s growing water needs. In this article, Lance Thibodeaux, division manager for the Terminal Island water reclamation division at LA Sanitation and Environment, describes Terminal Island’s industry leading water reuse program and its long-time partnership with Xylem.

The water sector has a role to play in the global effort to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions and helping to slow climate change. Our sector is energy-intensive, and technology now gives us an opportunity to manage water much more efficiently.

Building on insights from Xylem’s "Reimagining industrial water: From commodity to strategic asset," this discussion with Verónica García Molina, Sr. Director, High Growth Verticals at Xylem explores how industrial operators across Europe are approaching water reuse in practice. It examines the treatment, digital, and phased reuse strategies shaping industrial decision-making, and how these approaches help teams improve water performance, strengthen resilience, and support more circular operations.

Aurora Water in Colorado is transforming its aging water system to meet the needs of a growing population through digital tools, smart meters, and predictive analytics. The utility uses condition assessments, machine learning, and a 3D digital twin to spot risks and guide infrastructure investments. This data-driven approach helps Aurora deliver reliable water and build a resilient, sustainable system for its growing community.

As phosphorus regulations tighten across the United Kingdom, wastewater utilities are turning to ballasted clarification to protect waterways while managing upgrade costs. At Severn Trent’s Finham Sewage Treatment Works, Xylem’s CoMag™ system, designed to settle floc up to 30 times faster than conventional methods, demonstrates how utilities reliably meet phosphorous targets while protecting rivers and cutting costs.

Globally renowned recognition reinforces Xylem’s commitment to protecting employees and driving a culture of care and well-being.

Utilities worldwide are turning to artificial intelligence (AI) to improve efficiency, anticipate challenges, and secure their water supply. In this Q&A, Xylem’s Vice President of AI Solutions and Impact, Austin Alexander, explains how people and technology together are shaping a more resilient, data-driven future for water management.