The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a series of 17 global goals that were created in 2015 as a unifying call to action to end poverty, safeguard the environment, and provide prosperity for everyone by 2030.
These objectives tackle urgent problems like poverty, hunger, a high standard of education, gender equality, access to clean water, combating climate change, and more. The SDGs seek to build a sustainable and inclusive future for all to ensure no one is left behind.
Kinfolk is curious to learn more about how AI has sped up the process and benefited the SDGs set forth by the UN. In several article series, we plan to analyze a few particular SDGs.
This article's sixth series focuses on how artificial intelligence has benefited the SDG 6 goal of clean water and sanitation.
AI Innovations for SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
Due to many factors, including the absence of a working sewage system or wastewater treatment system, many people worldwide do not have access to clean water.
Drinking water is essential to achieving other Sustainable Development Goals, such as Goal 4: quality education. Having access to clean water means being healthier, being able to go to school, learning new things, and leading an active life.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a powerful ally in monitoring water quality, optimizing water resource management, and ensuring access to clean water and sanitation by monitoring sensors and data on several aspects of water, including pH levels, concentrations of dissolved oxygen, and pollutants.
Artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms examine the gathered data and can quickly identify abnormalities or pollution occurrences, prompting authorities to take immediate action and reduce any hazards to water quality.
AI Applications for Optimizing Water Resource Management:
Predictive Analytics: To forecast water demand, AI-driven prediction algorithms examine historical data on water use, weather patterns, and other pertinent variables. Water resource managers can optimize water distribution and avoid shortages at peak times by precisely forecasting fluctuations in demand.
Leak Detection: AI-powered algorithms can detect leaks in water distribution systems by analyzing pressure and flow data. Early leak detection helps reduce water losses, conserve valuable resources, and minimize the environmental impact of water distribution.
Demand Response: Demand response systems encourage water users to modify their usage during spikes in demand. Artificial intelligence (AI) balances water consumption and lessens strain on water supply infrastructure through customized messaging and incentives.
Examples of Successful AI Interventions in Clean Water and Sanitation:
The WaterWatch Foundation: WaterWatch utilizes AI and satellite technology to monitor water levels in reservoirs and water basins. By providing real-time data and predictive analytics, the system assists water authorities in managing water resources efficiently.
Drinkable Rivers Project: This AI-powered project in Spain focuses on monitoring river water quality to ensure a drinkable water supply. The AI algorithms analyze sensor data and detect potential contamination, safeguarding water resources and public health.
Safe Water Network: The Safe Water Network employs AI-enabled IoT devices to monitor water quality in remote communities. AI analysis ensures that water sources are safe and clean, improving access to potable water in underserved regions.
Conclusion
Nearly all areas of life benefit from Artificial Intelligence. It resolves limitations related to clean water and sanitation and supports the upkeep of public utilities and towns that deal with hygiene issues.
It also aids in the innovation of sanitation and water delivery systems, while AI innovations support the development of sectors that use a lot of water. It also makes it easier to monitor changes in water quality efficiently.
AI-driven innovations tackle water challenges, creating a more sustainable future where clean water and sanitation are accessible.