Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly transforming the way water resources are monitored, predicted, and managed. From forecasting water availability and demand to optimizing distribution and treatment processes, AI-based systems are becoming essential tools for achieving resilient and sustainable water management.
This talk will provide an overview of the current state of the art in AI applications for water management, focusing on three key areas: (i) prediction of water availability, using data-driven and hybrid modelling approaches; (ii) forecasting and optimization of water demand, integrating environmental, social, and economic variables; and (iii) decision-support systems for real-time water allocation and infrastructure management.
The presentation will also discuss the main scientific and operational challenges, including data scarcity, model interpretability, and the integration of AI with physical and hydrological models. Recent research trends will be highlighted as promising directions toward more transparent, adaptive, and efficient water governance.
By combining technical insight with a systems-level perspective, the talk aims to stimulate discussion on how AI can effectively contribute to sustainable and equitable water management under increasing climatic and socio-economic pressures.