Today, the mentioning and use of AI is everywhere. It’s clear that no company or utility — especially those working with critical infrastructure like water — can afford to ignore it. But as leaders, we also have a responsibility to apply a sanity check: AI must be used to solve real problems, not to simply chase buzzwords.
In the water sector, we already see examples where utilities are launching AI initiatives with no clear business case — sometimes only to satisfy stakeholders eager to "check the AI box." This approach is not only wasteful; it’s unprofessional. Without a clear objective, AI becomes an expensive distraction rather than a powerful enabler.
At APX10, we have taken a different approach.
AI has been fundamental to our software development from day one — not as an abstract concept, but as a practical tool to create transparent, high-value solutions for our utility clients.
When we founded APX10 in 2019, we made an early decision: we would not deliver ‘black box’ solutions. Instead, our software leverages AI and machine learning in several features, such as the way we fix poor data (especially from SCADA systems), enhance prediction models, and recognize surface features while keeping the outputs understandable and actionable for users.
We know that water utilities need more than impressive dashboards. They need real, explainable insights that help prioritize actions, optimize investments, and build stakeholder confidence. Our AI-supported tools do exactly that.
Example of practical use of AI models on the APX® platform, optimizing SCADA data quality.
And combined with our unmatched and personalized customer success experience we understand how to enable this value in the organizations of our clients. This may be the most important element as AI that is not turned operational is simply put, a waste of time, resources and energy.
Importantly, we also practice what we preach. Internally, APX10 uses AI to optimize business processes across our organization — from back-office functions to sales and client service. AI is not an isolated feature; it’s part of how we think, operate, and plan.
If you're looking for a smarter approach to AI in water management, here are three simple recommendations:
- Start with the problem, not the technology. What pain points can AI actually solve?
- Demand transparency. Understand how AI models produce their outputs and make sure that data availability and the data engineering process is aligned with the water domain.
- Prioritize measurable outcomes. More precise results, efficiency, speed, cost savings — not catchphrase compliance.
The objective of identifying and creating feasible business cases becomes much easier by leveraging domain expertise and subject-matter professionals in the use of AI in utilities. This isn’t about adopting technology for appearances or token-use, but real-world planning.
Further, as water and wastewater utilities confront a shrinking workforce and difficulty attracting new talent, AI and smart software are emerging as more than just tools for efficiency—they’re essential to reshaping the industry’s future. When applied with purpose, AI becomes a powerful draw for a new generation of professionals seeking data-driven and mission-focused careers. Utilities that embrace this shift signal themselves as innovative, forward-looking employers offering meaningful work at the intersection of technology and public service.
In our view, AI is not a replacement for human expertise, but a complement to enabling both young and experienced professionals to focus on strategic tasks like interpreting results, optimizing operations, and guiding decisions. The real opportunity lies in combining domain knowledge with digital methods, creating a smarter, more resilient utility workforce. The leaders of tomorrow will be those who can connect on-the-ground utility challenges with the capabilities of intelligent systems.
We know water and wastewater, we know AI, so let’s show you how smart water can mean smart AI — and how APX10 can help you lead the way.
Learn more about how our practical AI helps empower utilities for the future.