Water management is one of the most pressing environmental challenges that needs to be addressed at present. The World Economic Forum points to climate change, population growth and deficiencies in planning and land use as major contributors to the deterioration of 50% of the world's freshwater resources.

 

For the Forum, investment in water resilience has become a critical tool for reversing this trend. Even the European Commission, in a 2025 report, has underscored the urgency of taking action to protect water, and developing strategies to reinforce water resilience.

 

In this context, the application of artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly central to enhancing water resource management, driving efficiency, reducing costs, and promoting sustainability. 

 

This technology enables real-time analysis of vast data sets, improving infrastructure management and fostering stronger relationships with users.

 

AI’s role in predicting water demand, optimizing energy use and enhancing relationships with users is transforming the way utilities operate, leading to more efficient and sustainable processes. These advances streamline resource management as well as addressing extreme events and bolstering the resilience of critical infrastructure, it stated. 

 

"In 2025, AI will effectively be the driving force transforming customer experiences and business operations, enhancing intelligent workflows and maximizing efficiency," remarked Maria Malhadas, Director Client Solutions Europe at Xylem.

 

The Xylem Vue platform, developed as a result of the partnership between Idrica and Xylem, has identified five areas where AI can be applied to transform water management worldwide. This is highlighted in the company's recently published report, Water Technology Trends 2025 - Revolutionizing Water Management.

 

Firstly, dynamic optimization in treatment plants. In 2025, AI will continue to revolutionize treatment plants through systems that fine-tune processes such as reagent dosing and treatment line control in real time. Digital twins will become more sophisticated, simulating complex scenarios to anticipate problems before they occur. This will boost operational resilience during extreme events and further optimize energy resource use.

 

Another area where AI plays a decisive role is demand forecasting. Trends indicate that advanced AI algorithms will be pivotal in more accurately predicting consumption peaks. 

 

In 2025, resource management will be fully integrated, enabling automatic adjustments in water distribution and storage. This will not only reduce waste but will also empower utilities to respond proactively to variations in user behavior and weather events.

 

Similarly, AI is set to optimize energy consumption in pumping stations and treatment plants using predictive models that tailor operations to demand. 

 

These solutions, which have already reduced consumption by 25%, will become even more efficient thanks to the integration of real-time climate and usage data, leading to greener management.

 

Another area where AI will lead is in predictive problem detection. AI systems will also become more skilled in the early detection of leaks, fraud and operational failures this year, according to Xylem Vue. 

 

This will strengthen resilience and lower maintenance costs, while delivering a more personalized user experience. Utilities will be able to notify customers instantly about specific issues, promoting more responsible water use.

 

Finally, Xylem Vue highlights the importance of enhancing wastewater treatment. In 2025, AI will drive fully optimized wastewater treatment, with predictive systems automatically adjusting critical processes to meet stricter environmental regulations. 

 

Additionally, digital twins will simulate fluctuations in water quality, anticipating challenges and ensuring long-term sustainability.

 

According to José Sánchez, Head of Client Delivery at Idrica, AI will remain a cornerstone of sustainable water management in 2025, enabling companies to optimize operations and cut costs through the processing of vast data volumes and real-time, data-driven decision-making.

 

In short, AI’s role in water management in 2025 will continue to be critical. Public-private partnerships will also play a key role in maximizing its potential, he added.-TradeArabia News Service