AI Copilots for Rural Water Quality

Award ID: 49100424C0013 - Phase 1

Rural water utilities throughout the U.S. are struggling with deteriorating infrastructure, inadequate staff, and loss of trust in the communities they serve. The objective of this project is to use artificial intelligence (AI) to improve water quality, safety, and equity in under-resourced rural communities. In South Carolina, the absence of qualified operators presents a safety risk, equity concerns, and stifled growth as businesses hesitate to invest due to substandard infrastructure. The South Carolina Rural Water Association projects a 75% operator vacancy rate in drinking water treatment, over 90% in wastewater treat- ment, and over 95% in water distribution by 2028. Unless modern technologies and systems intervene, these communities will be stuck with poor water quality and insufficient systems that are unable to support equity, opportunity, and economic growth. Our convergence approach is led by Delta Bravo Artificial Intelligence and includes local community, government, high school, universi- ty, and private industry experts. AI Copilots will be built to proactively anticipate and help oper- ators resolve issues in water quality, equipment reliability, and compliance. Renewable Water Resources (Rewa) will contribute data and access as a pilot facility for the proposed solution. Rewa has provided water utility services to rural areas of South Carolina since 1925. The quantity, quality, and diversity of Rewas datasets will accelerate the data modeling process. Rewas connection to rural water distributors and systems will help the solution team deliver proof points within Phase 1 that display active usage and benefit. Successful implementation of the proposed solution will improve compliance, water quality, and safety, thus helping to improve quality of life, water equity, and economic viability in the commu- nities that need it most.

NSF Program Director: Lori Ziolkowski