The Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies (AMWA) said it submitted comments to the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) and the National Science Foundation (NSF) regarding the development of a national artificial intelligence (AI) action plan.
AMWA, which represents large drinking water systems across the United States, highlighted the critical intersection of AI development and water resource management in its comments. The association said it is urging policymakers to assess AI’s impact on water demand while leveraging AI for water efficiency.
AMWA said encourages the AI Action Plan to conduct a comprehensive water footprint assessment on three key areas:
- Understanding AI’s water impacts;
- Leveraging AI for water conservation; and
- Fostering collaboration between AI developers and water resource managers.
“AI presents both challenges and opportunities for water utilities,” said AMWA CEO Tom Dobbins, CAE. “As AI-driven industries expand, we must account for increased water demands in data centers, manufacturing, and technology, while harnessing AI’s potential to optimize utility operations, improve leak detection, and enhance water conservation efforts.”
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