Thursday, November 21, 2024

1:00 to 2:00 pm

Join us for an insightful webinar exploring how cutting-edge technologies like Generative AI and Digital Twins are revolutionizing the water industry. In this session, industry experts will discuss the transformative potential of these innovations in enhancing water management, infrastructure optimization, and operational efficiency.

Generative AI is reshaping decision-making processes through predictive analytics, offering utilities the ability to forecast demand, optimize resources, and improve sustainability. Digital Twins provide real-time, data-driven models of physical assets, such as water distribution networks and treatment plants, enabling operators to simulate scenarios, optimize performance, and identify potential issues before they occur.

This webinar will cover:

• Introduction to Generative AI and Digital Twins: Overview of their principles, tools, and applications.
• Practical Applications in the Water Industry: How utilities are already benefiting from AI-powered analytics and Digital Twin technology.
• Enhancing Sustainability and Efficiency: Using technology to drive water conservation, reduce operational costs, and minimize environmental impact.
• Case Studies: Real-world examples of successful implementation in water utilities.
• Future Trends and Innovations: Exploring the next wave of technology advancements in the water sector.

Who Should Attend: Water utility professionals, engineers, technology innovators, sustainability experts, and decision-makers interested in leveraging AI and digital tools to transform the water industry.

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how digital transformation is shaping the future of water management!

Moderator

Chi Ho Sham, Ph.D., Independent Consultant and Past President of AWWA

Dr. Chi Ho Sham has dedicated over four decades to working on a wide range of critical issues related to drinking water and source water protection, water quality assessment, watershed management, underground injection control, and natural resources management.  As Past President of AWWA he is uniquely qualified to Chair the New England Section Board of Directors. Chi Ho wants to lead the Section with a mission to enhance competency within the water community and strengthen public trust. This underscores his commitment to improving water-related practices and ensuring that the public can have confidence in the management of their water resources.

 Presenters

Gigi Karmous-Edwards, CEO and President of Karmous Edwards Consulting

My passion is helping organizations solve global challenges relating to Water-Energy-Food nexus through advanced digital technological solutions, including IoT, cloud/fog computing, data analytics, machine learning, robotics, and communications with sustainability as a primary goal. Worked with global leaders of water utilities and technology companies to help accelerate the Digital Transformation of the water sector. Provide thought leadership in the Water sector via several international publications and invited speaking engagements, including Global Water Summit, World Water Tech, Asset Management Conference, SWAN NA.

As the Digital-Lead Director for Amane Advisors, I provided business advisory to water technology companies and utilities regarding digital transformation, digital strategy, growth strategy, technology partnerships, M&A, and market segmentation and analysis. Conducted original research and business intelligence via surveys and interviews on digital adoption in the water sector and led the effort to initiate a Digital Utility Group concept. Before joining Amane Advisors, I served as Vice President at Fathom Water Management Inc. I helped define and led the development of the first eCommerce ecosystem for the water sector. Prior to Fathom, I was the Director of Technology at Sensus, a smart grid and clean tech technology company. There I focused on building the technology roadmap for Smart Grid for Water.

Authored and co-authored over 23 peer-reviewed publications including a Wiley Book on Grid Networks.

James P. Cooper, PE, Global Director, Arcadis | Division Chair, AWWA

Jim Cooper is a passionate advocate and a driving force behind innovative change to advance the water sector. As the Global Director for Water Optimization at Arcadis, Jim's journey is all about collaboration. He joins hands with clients and partners worldwide, diving deep into their unique assets, systems, and aspirations. What truly sets Jim apart is his dedication to leveraging cutting-edge solutions like artificial intelligence (AI) and Collective Intelligence (CI) to empower the workforce and shape a more sustainable and people-centered future.

 Jim's curiosity and expertise are a winning combination. He holds an Executive Certificate for Artificial Intelligence: Implications for Business Strategy from the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Notably, he's the principal author of the fourth edition of the American Water Works Association’s M32 Computer Modeling of Water Distribution Systems, a testament to his authority in the field. With more than 50 publications under his belt, Jim's insights into utility management, system optimization, and intelligent systems are second to none.

 Beyond his impressive credentials, Jim's commitment to progress shines. He's not just a Professional Engineer licensed across multiple states, including OH, WI, IN, KY, FL, VA, GA, NC, TX, and NY, but he's also a leader with purpose. Currently, he serves as the Chair of the Engineering & Construction Division of the American Water Works Association, Chair of the Digital Twins Committee for AWWA, Chair of the Intelligent Water Committee for the SWIM Center at VA Tech, and an Advisory Board Member for Baywork. These roles reflect his dedication to driving positive change on both local and global scales.