The water sector appears to be embracing digital transformation, with AI playing a significant role. 

In engineering services firm GHD’s recent webinar series, Show me the value: digital transformation in the water sector, experts urged caution, highlighting the need for focused initiatives that deliver measurable value. 

Four main themes emerged: the importance of strong business cases, starting small and scaling up, fostering a digital mindset, and continually measuring value.

According to reports, Thomas Debruyne, GHD's APAC Technology Integration Lead for Water, warned against digitisation without clear goals, as it could lead to “digital fatigue”. 

He noted that many companies adopt technology for the sake of it, driven by pressure to stay competitive. 

“There is something referred to today as ‘AI vibe’, combined with what’s called ‘AI washing’,” Debruyne said.

Debruyne acknowledged AI's potential, especially for analysing vast data, but stressed that implementation must be targeted. 

“We need to come back to the basics and look at the things we can implement today that will add value,” he said.

The water industry, being risk-averse due to its role in providing safe drinking water, must adopt a gradual approach to digitisation. 

“We are not going to be as quick and agile as other sectors,” Debruyne said, noting that not all digital solutions need AI and that traditional statistical methods can be effective.

A digital mindset and culture, though crucial, present challenges. 

“This transition is less about technology and more about getting our processes to evolve with the technology,” Debruyne said, adding that early employee involvement is key to success. 

Transparency is also vital when introducing AI, to prevent resistance.

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