Utilities worldwide are turning to artificial intelligence (AI) to improve efficiency, anticipate challenges, and secure their water supply. In this Q&A, Xylem’s Vice President of AI Solutions and Impact, Austin Alexander, explains how people and technology together are shaping a more resilient, data-driven future for water management.

When heavy rains hit, minutes matter. A few extra moments of warning can mean the difference between reaching safety before a flood or being caught by rising waters. That urgency drove German students Jana Spiller and Niklas Ruf to design WarnMe, a low-cost, open-source flood warning system for small towns and rural communities.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is dominating global conversations, as people question what it will mean for society and how to identify the best ways to put its transformative powers to work responsibly. We’re already seeing the incredible impact of Amazon’s Alexa, Apple’s Siri and ChatGPT on our everyday lives. How will AI shape the future of water?

The water sector has a role to play in the global effort to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions and helping to slow climate change. Our sector is energy-intensive, and technology now gives us an opportunity to manage water much more efficiently.

From droughts to floods to leaking pipes, water utilities are under more pressure than ever. Traditional infrastructure wasn’t designed for today’s demands, but digital technology is helping close the gap. Tucson Water, Buffalo Sewer Authority and Hot Springs are three utilities leveraging Xylem’s intelligent solutions to identify and address issues before they happen – providing a cleaner, more reliable water supply for the communities they serve.

Site managers responsible for utility or industrial water operations face constant demands. Managers must keep operations running smoothly, stay compliant with increasingly complex regulations and prevent costly downtime – all while overseeing limited staff and tight timelines.

2025 has been dubbed the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, shining a spotlight on the growing role of computing and artificial intelligence (AI) in tackling the world’s most pressing challenges.

Xylem’s new sustainability commitments will help industrial customers reduce annual water demand and provide more people with climate-resilient WASH access.

Explore Xylem’s 2024 highlights, from advancing water innovation to achieving sustainability goals, combating PFAS, and securing global water resources.

The Manchester City Football Club is using Xylem technology to collect, treat and reuse rainwater to sustainability irrigate the pitches at their practice facilities.

Heritage and community ties play a powerful role in how Xylem solves water challenges. During Hispanic Heritage Month, we celebrate the perspective and experiences that help our teams tailor solutions to the unique needs of their customers and region. From Mexico to Argentina and Spain, three teammates share how their cultural and regional insights are helping Xylem customers and communities become more water-secure.

At Xylem’s Emmaboda facility, circular economy practices are part of everyday production. Its on-site foundry sources over 85% of its iron from recycled or reclaimed materials, helping to reduce waste and reliance on virgin resources. At the same time, a purpose-built water treatment plant allows the factory to reuse 100% of its process water – 20 million liters per year.

The Southeast U.S. – once considered water-rich – is facing a new reality. Recently, the region has been hit hard by record-breaking droughts, prompting communities to rethink how they manage and protect their water sources.

As the water sector embraces digital technologies to improve resilience and efficiency, cybersecurity has become mission critical. Every connected device and cloud-based solution strengthens water management but also expands the attack surface for potential cyber threats.

Learn how pharma leaders are using smart water management to boost uptime, cut costs, and simplify compliance.

Flowing through the heart of Knoxville, Tennessee, Beaver Creek is more than just a local waterway – it’s a 303(d) listed stream, meaning it’s been flagged by the state as needing environmental restoration. A 303(d) designation comes with strict pollution limits for everything from nutrients and bacteria to heavy metals and chemicals.

Pasco, Washington, built a shared system for six food plants that turns wastewater into clean water and renewable energy while protecting local resources.

Irrigation expert Begoña Tarrazona shares how smart digital tools help cities and farms save water, reduce costs, and boost sustainability.

Meet Denver Thomas, a Xylem AQUA pro who keeps critical water systems running in healthcare, pharma, and life sciences facilities.

The new 1.4-kilometer tunnel under the River Thames is designed to ease congestion. Learn how Xylem’s flood prevention system helps keep it dry and safe.

From the Amazon rainforests to the Caribbean coasts, communities across Latin America are adapting to shifting water conditions. Changing weather patterns, population growth and expanding urban development are placing new demands on drinking water systems across the region. 

Learn how early warning systems can forecast floods and automatically trigger protective measures to help safeguard people and critical assets.

As we celebrate Pride month, three Xylem colleagues share what authenticity means to them and how it powers our work to create a more water-secure world.

See how advanced flow monitoring is boosting California’s groundwater recharge and transforming the future of water management.