Infrasync Newsletter #24 - Water Technology vs. Human Expertise

Technology has transformed the water industry in ways we couldn't have imagined just a few decades ago. Advanced sensors, AI-powered analytics, and innovative treatment processes have given us unprecedented control over water quality and distribution. Not just the water industry but our entire society has been radically improved by tech, at least that’s that 40%+ find as the biggest improvement over the last 50 years.

Is it the people or the new technology that will solve our water problems of today and tomorrow? On one side, we have technology that is enabling utilities to do more with less. Because of cheaper sensors, data, and software we can stretch each dollar further than before. On the other side, we have decades of irreplaceable human expertise that has guided modern  water management and operations.

So which is more important: the technology or the people?

Or maybe the question to ask is what is easier? Buying new technology? Or changing a person?

The case for technology

Just a few decades ago every water utility was reading meters by hand. Now millions of water meters are read remotely. Plus they don’t only measure consumption but also temperature, pressure, and even acoustic noise from leaks. Or consider the advancements in water treatment technology. Membrane filtration systems have made it possible to turn wastewater into potable water, opening up new possibilities for water-stressed regions. UV disinfection has reduced our reliance on chemical treatments, making water safer and more environmentally friendly.

With distributed sensors and big data, we can now predict water demand patterns, optimize distribution networks, and even forecast potential infrastructure failures before and as they happen. While we have always had great operations and smart engineers most of that work was simulations and planning for future decisions. Now all that data can be used in real time to capture pipeline breaks as they start not just future what-if scenarios.

The World Economic Forum is certainly optimistic about the promises of water with tech.

The case for people

 Technology, for all its power, is just a tool. And like any tool, its effectiveness depends entirely on the skill and judgment of those wielding it. The most advanced water treatment plant in the world running on 100% autopilot will eventually encounter a problem it was not programmed to solve. So the tech can be useless without trained operators who understand its intricacies and can respond to unexpected situations.

 Many utilities are faced with a stronger staffing shortage than a tech shortage, at least that’s what they think with the 2023 AWWA state of the industry 42.5% of utilities listed aging workforce as a critical issue with the following highlights.

Finding the balance

It can be much easier to fix an issue with technology than changing people and their habits. That doesn’t mean technology will solve all our issues, far from it. But bringing in new technology can be that one thing that finally enables people to change their habits and approach to operating their water systems.

Many utility strategic decisions and budget goals are still made by the baby boomer generation who is very tech adverse, at least compared to younger generations. As the millennials and gen X move into leadership roles we should see stronger tech adoption.  

If your utility has a serious issue with varying water quality what is a more practical approach? To find new operators who are better experiences or trained? Or to buy and deploy auto-samplers for water quality and software to help level up the operators that already know the system?

The next water challenge you face see just how much you can help the people with technology.

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Make sense to connect?

Are you working to help your utility or technology company take the next step forward? If you want to talk through a challenge or share something interesting your team did please shoot me a note at [email protected] or schedule a utility technology review here.