2026 Commissioners' Engineering Scholarship - Montgomery County Winner: Samarra Ferrigno

Artificial Intelligence and Smart Technologies in Water Utilities 

Samarra Ferrigno 

Innovative solutions in water management are essential as the world becomes increasingly challenged by the consequences of climate change and pollution to our water systems. Artificial intelligence (AI) and smart technologies emerge as double edged solutions, with the ability to improve efficiency, reduce water loss and enhance customer service, while also posing environmental and cost issues. Thus, AI and smart technologies present both benefits and costs for WSSC as well as the greater community that must be weighed and considered in any implementation plan. While AI, particularly in conjunction with smart technologies, can increase operational efficiency. These technologies can also come with high costs for equipment, AI system implementation, specialized personnel, and environmental costs to the watershed.

AI use along with smart technologies such as smart water meters, leak detection sensors, smart pressure management systems, monitoring devices, and automated meter reading systems provide vital data that can be analyzed for patterns to help determine system-wide issues or can be used for individual use; finding potential leaks, optimizing water flow, and fixing maintenance issues. By analyzing large volumes of operational data in real time, these systems allow utilities to identify inefficiencies and respond more quickly to potential problems. For example, AI use goes beyond HR functions such as applicant screenings and customer chatbots (Artificial Intelligence in the Water Sector, 2024). AI can be used to analyze data related to equipment operations, enabling targeted preventative maintenance, more efficient scheduling of maintenance, and immediate identification of leaks. Such data analytics enable more efficient use of staff, equipment, and customer response times.

Additionally, utilities can quickly identify operational issues without extensive field inspections and capture meter readings across the large WSSC operating area. This reduces the overall labor costs of people going out to inspect and submit reports (operational costs). Smart technologies reduce labor costs, labor hours, and strain on personnel. According to the February 2024 Meter Infrastructure Replacement Program report, with approximately 96% of meters requiring manual reading, meter readers must walk 7-10 miles each day, confronting safety and security issues, resulting in high turnover rates. While the cost of replacing equipment with smart technologies is expensive, at this point greater than 60% “of existing meter population is 15 years or older, with average age of 16 years”, making the equipment expenditures inevitable. Modernizing these systems represents not only a technological improvement but also a necessary investment in maintaining reliable infrastructure.

AI and smart technologies also allow for better customer service by reducing outages as well as notifying customers of unusual and high levels of usage and providing greater control and transparency regarding billing. For example, automated alerts can notify customers about unusual water usage that may indicate leaks at home. With the ability to easily analyze customer usage patterns, WSSC would be able to prepare and deliver personalized conservation recommendations to customers without the high labor costs associated with traditional, non-AI,  data analysts and reporting. Accordingly, such proactive communication will strengthen trust between utilities and the communities they serve.

Finally, from an environmental perspective, AI analysis of patterns and utilization of algorithms in water usage and pressure will, in collaboration with smart technologies such as pipeline sensors, allow for rapid identification of leakages or ruptures. Additionally, as noted by WSSC in its Utilities of the Future: Paradigm Shift to Water Resource Recovery Facilities, “the water/wastewater industry and Utilities of the Future are moving toward more Resource Recovery.” AI can assist with the analytics and predictive requirements of pursuing innovative strategies and technologies to achieve more resource recovery, meet low nutrient limits that protect the environment, and substantially reduce energy and chemical use whether it is determining chemical use, pumping needs, or energy requirements that maximize this process.

The many benefits of AI and smart technologies, however, do not come without costs. The initial investment in AI software/tools, data systems (e.g., cloud computing services), smart technology equipment, and associated training can be high. Issues can arise related to legacy systems - migration and integrations; competitive bidding for personnel with technical expertise; and required investments in cybersecurity (personnel and software) and data protection monitoring. Such risks arise from the personal data that would be captured for the purposes of customer usage analyses. AI systems require large amounts of data and integrate with water infrastructure systems, opening up the risk to cyberattacks and theft of personal customer account data. Additionally, costs associated with high water usage with AI and the consequent repercussions to availability of water resources for the community as a whole must be weighed against these benefits. Furthermore, installing smart meters across an entire service area can be expensive. Sensors and monitoring equipment require costly infrastructure upgrades as well as ongoing maintenance and software updates.

While these costs are high in the short-term, they can be reduced over time as a result of lower operating costs, reduced labor overhead, improved reliability of water services, preventative maintenance rather than reactive maintenance for major breaks, and better planning and resource management. Savings can also be found in reduced water loss and energy use over time.

Responsible implementation may require utilities to ensure strong cybersecurity protocols are in place with significant encryption to mitigate the risk to the water system infrastructure and customer data. Additionally, AI and smart technologies should not take the place of human oversight, which should remain in the decision making processes. WSSC should also ensure strict privacy policies are in place regarding customer data. Pilot programs, phased implementation, and community engagement can further ensure that these technologies are introduced in a way that is transparent, secure, and beneficial to customers.

Thus, AI and smart technologies offer opportunities for WSSC to improve efficiency, reduce water loss, and enhance customer service. Through advanced data analytics, automated monitoring systems, and predictive maintenance, these technologies can help utilities operate more effectively while protecting valuable water resources. These advantages, however, should be balanced against the financial costs, cybersecurity risks, and infrastructure challenges associated with their implementation. In conclusion, WSSC adoption of these water management technologies will lead us to a safer, reliable, and sustainable future! 

References 

WSSC Water Holding Monthly Commission Meeting on Wednesday, February 21, WSSC Water

Artificial Intelligence in the Water Sector: Information Technology (PDF 1.62 MB), Thomas L. Kuczynski, CIO February 21, 2024

Meter Infrastructure Replacement Program (PDF 947 KB), Glen Diaz, Utility Services Director, February 21, 2024

Utilities of the Future: Paradigm Shift to Water Resource Recover Facilities, Last Modified: June 6, 2025, 9:16 am EDT