Water industry professionals explored the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) yesterday during a pre-conference workshop in Ocean City, Maryland, and discovered that while the roots of AI are Dating back to 1948, today’s generative AI has the potential to completely change. your industry.
Designed to make AI technologies accessible and relevant, the sessions emphasized the critical role of data and the importance of data governance, generating enthusiasm and curiosity among participants, all of which led to the Chesapeake Tri-Association Conference (TriCon), the main event for the water industry.
Professionals from the City of Rockville, WSSC, City of Baltimore, DC Water, and regional engineering firms came together to explore how AI can be effectively applied to their field. Presented by the CWEA Asset Management Committee and CSAWWA, the session featured Craig Daly from the City of Baltimore, Travis Wagner from Trinnex, Brandon O’Daniel from Xylem, John Smith from Haley Ward, and Davar Ardalan from TulipAI.
The workshop focused on practical and actionable steps, showing participants how these tools can improve accuracy, save time and optimize their water systems. The breakout sessions also introduced participants to real-world applications of generative AI tools.
Haley Ward’s John Smith and TulipAI’s Davar Ardalan led a special segment titled “Responsible AI Adventures: Innovative Environmental Engineering”, which highlighted the importance of ethical considerations when using AI in the water industry.
Smith and Ardalan introduced the beta version of John Smith GPT, an artificial intelligence assistant designed to help John and his team of environmental engineers with tasks such as proposal writing, cost estimating, and marketing strategies. They emphasized two critical points: first, never share proprietary information with an open AI tool; and second, always be transparent when using AI, just as you would with a bibliography or when naming your sources. This transparency is essential to maintaining trust and integrity in how AI is integrated into professional practices.
Try the John Smith GPT Beta here. Personalized AI:
Leverages decades of civil engineering knowledge from veteran civil engineer John Oliver Smith.
Provides information on materials relevant to grant projects, enhancing proposal details.
Provides data on eco-friendly materials and methods, supporting sustainability goals.
John Smith also stressed the importance of not sharing sensitive information with artificial intelligence systems. He compared AI to a powerful tool that, like any other, must be used responsibly. Additionally, he encouraged attendees to test AI tools with their teams before large-scale deployment, allowing for collaboration and refinement of the technology to meet specific needs. Their message was clear: AI can transform the industry, but it must be used wisely and with full awareness of its ethical implications.
As AI tools continue to develop, sessions like this in TriCon They are essential to staying informed and prepared. They equip water professionals with the tools and understanding they need to leverage new technologies effectively and responsibly.
This content was created with the help of artificial intelligence, which helped structure the narrative, ensure grammatical accuracy, summarize key points, and improve the readability and coherence of the material.
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