Good folks,

I wanted to write about a “hot topic” this month.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is poised to revolutionize the wastewater industry in profound ways. Here are five compelling reasons why:

1)      Predictive Maintenance: AI algorithms can analyze vast amounts of data from sensors, pumps, and treatment plants. By identifying patterns and anomalies, AI can predict equipment failures, allowing for timely maintenance and minimizing downtime.

2)      Optimized Treatment Processes: AI can optimize treatment processes by adjusting parameters in real time. Whether it’s adjusting chemical dosages, flow rates, or pH levels, AI ensures efficient and cost-effective treatment while meeting environmental standards.

3)      Energy Efficiency: Wastewater treatment consumes significant energy. AI-driven algorithms can optimize energy usage by dynamically adjusting aeration, pumping schedules, and other energy-intensive processes. This leads to reduced operational costs and a smaller environmental footprint.

4)      Quality Monitoring: AI can continuously monitor water quality parameters such as turbidity, dissolved oxygen, and nutrient levels. Rapid detection of contaminants or deviations from standards allows for timely corrective actions, safeguarding public health.

5)      Data-Driven Decision-Making: With AI, wastewater professionals can make informed decisions based on data-driven insights. From source water management to discharge compliance, AI empowers better planning, resource allocation, and overall system efficiency.

In summary, AI’s ability to learn, adapt, and optimize processes will transform the wastewater industry, making it more sustainable, resilient, and responsive to the challenges of the future.

Ta-da! Welcome to the revolution! It took you longer to read the italicized content than it took me generate, copy, and paste from Bing Copilot® (Microsoft’s AI app; now part of Bing Search). My prompt to Copilot: You are a wastewater trade association officer. Write a 5-sentence paragraph on why AI will revolutionize the wastewater industry. Note that it failed: there are 13 sentences!  Still, it sure paints a rosy picture! Are there no downsides? Let’s ask! My prompt: You are a wastewater trade association officer. Write a 5-sentence paragraph on why AI will not help the industry.

As a wastewater trade association officer, I understand the potential benefits of AI in various industries, but it’s essential to acknowledge its limitations within the wastewater sector. Here are five reasons why AI might not significantly aid the industry:

1)      Complexity and Variability: Wastewater treatment processes are intricate . . .. AI models often struggle . . ..

2)      Data Quality and Availability: AI heavily relies on data. Unfortunately . . ..

3)      Human Expertise: Experienced wastewater professionals possess domain-specific knowledge that AI lacks. Their intuition . . ..

4)      Ethical Considerations: AI decisions can impact public health . . . Ensuring ethical use of AI . . ..

5)      Resource Constraints: Implementing AI requires significant investment . . ..

In summary, while AI holds promise, it’s essential to approach its integration in the wastewater industry cautiously, considering both its potential and limitations.

Copilot failed again on counting sentences (full answer below*); but I sure appreciate it including items 3) Human Expertise and 4) Ethical Considerations.

I’m a little concerned about both of those, frankly, in this brave new world. Unless I admitted it, would you have known those “5-sentence paragraphs” were generated by AI, and not me? Well, no lawyer jokes, so maybe that was too easy. But I hope you get my point – would it be ethical to let a bot produce a monthly note “from me” without telling you?  

I think AI can be (and already is) an incredibly helpful tool for us in the business of clean water. But I hope we all remain vigilant that it remains just that – a tool to be used and controlled by humans who are always in the loop. And just as importantly, I think we deserve to know when we’re being fed AI-generated content. I’m curious; what do you all think? Shoot me an email and we’ll share the feedback.

One of the best things about PNCWA events is that they are generally in real life. (That’s IRL – as I’ve learned in my kids’ regular eye-rolling sessions with me.) The Portland Spring Summit sessions, for example, were fantastic, and the rooftop social after Day 1 was a blast. And not a robot in the room! Thank you to the attendees, the presenters, and the organizers of the inaugural Summit. In a word - awesome.

There are many more opportunities to connect listed in this month’s Digest. I hope you’ll take time (and encourage your staff to take time, if you are in that position) to participate. Learning firsthand, with the chance to ask and hear others’ questions, is so much more . . . human . . . than Zoom meetings or recorded webinars.

Of course, IRL events take resources – time, materials, and financial. Coincidentally (right?), the opportunity to help sponsor Boise2024 is now open. The organizations and individuals who have helped PNCWA so generously in the past have allowed our association to survive and thrive, right through the COVID shutdown. Please join me in a rousing THANK YOU to them! If your organization hasn’t sponsored the conference in the past, I’m asking that you please consider it. We have lots of options at lots of levels, including sponsorships for small businesses and for public agencies. Do you like caffeine between sessions? Sponsor a coffee station! Enjoy snacks in the afternoon?  Sponsor a Fig Newton break! (I’m thinking now of Ricky Bobby driving with a sponsor’s sticker on the front window of his car.  Shake ‘n’ Bake!)

Now, can AI tell a good lawyer joke? My prompt: You're a stand-up comedian who doesn't use curse words. Write a joke about lawyers and AI. Here’s the response:

Ladies and gentlemen, let me tell you about the latest legal partnership: AI and lawyers. They’re like an odd couple sharing an office. Picture this:

Lawyer: “Hey, AI, what’s the secret to winning a case?” AI: “Well, it’s simple. Just present irrefutable evidence, cite relevant precedents, and—” Lawyer: “Hold on, hold on! I was thinking more along the lines of ‘wear a flashy tie’ or ‘charm the jury with a dazzling smile.’” AI: “Ah, I see. My bad. Let me recalculate: Probability of winning = (Evidence + Charm) / Billable hours.”

I’m not sure Copilot would make it on the road . . . but it didn’t curse!

Layne McWilliams, PNCWA President

*The second answer was cut down from the original; here are the full answers Copilot provided:

1)      Complexity and Variability: Wastewater treatment processes are intricate and highly variable. AI models often struggle to capture all the nuances and interactions within these systems. The dynamic nature of wastewater quality, flow rates, and environmental conditions poses challenges for accurate predictions.

2)      Data Quality and Availability: AI heavily relies on data. Unfortunately, many wastewater facilities lack comprehensive historical data or face issues with data quality. Incomplete, noisy, or outdated data can hinder AI’s effectiveness, leading to unreliable outcomes.

3)      Human Expertise: Experienced wastewater professionals possess domain-specific knowledge that AI lacks. Their intuition, problem-solving abilities, and adaptability are invaluable. Relying solely on AI might overlook critical insights that come from years of hands-on experience.

4)      Ethical Considerations: AI decisions can impact public health and the environment. Ensuring ethical use of AI algorithms, avoiding biases, and maintaining transparency are essential. Balancing automation with human judgment is crucial to prevent unintended consequences.

5)      Resource Constraints: Implementing AI requires significant investment in infrastructure, training, and maintenance. Small-scale treatment plants or financially constrained municipalities may find it challenging to adopt AI solutions effectively.