Wednesday 28 October 2026 | 14:00-15:30 CET | Online (Zoom) | Webinar no. 91

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Background

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data centres are expanding rapidly around the world. These emerging technologies are simultaneously driving innovation in the water sector while also raising important questions about their implications for freshwater resources.

Parts 1 and 2  of our webinar series, The Promises and Challenges of AI, Data Centres & Freshwater Futures, explored both opportunities and risks associated with AI and data centres. Discussions in Part 1, The Promise of AI for the Water Sector, highlighted the potential of AI to improve data collection and analysis for water management, while Part 2, Addressing Water Challenges for AI and Data Centres, examined the growing water demands of these technologies and their impacts on managing water resources sustainably.

Building on these discussions, Part 3 turns to a critical question:  who governs AI, and how?

Part 3 – Water for AI and Data Centres: Why Governance Matters

Many existing water and environmental laws around the world predate the emergence of AI and large-scale data centres, leaving potential gaps in how their water use is regulated.

Bringing together water law and governance professionals, this webinar will examine what existing legal frameworks cover, where gaps remain, and how regulations can better address the water demands of AI and data centres.

Ultimately, the discussion aims to support more sustainable AI governance that better protects water resources and the environment.

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Panel

Moderator

• Gabriel Eckstein, AIDA/IWRA

Panellists

• Bernadette Araba Adjei, Water Resources Commission, Ghana
• Cristián Delpiano Lira, Universidad Diego Portales, Chile
• Tressie Kamp, Midwest Environmental Advocates, United States of America
• Imad Antoine Ibrahim, University of Twente, The Netherlands

Previous sessions

Our webinar series, The Promises and Challenges of AI, Data Centres & Freshwater Futures, explores the opportunities and the risks at the intersection of technology and water sustainability. By convening experts from around the world, the series creates space for dialogue on the future of digital infrastructure, freshwater resources, and environmental resilience.

Part 1: The Promise of AI for the Water Sector

Our first session focused on the potential benefits of AI for the water sector.

Part 2: Addressing Water Challenges for AI and Data Centres

Our second session in this series examined the growing water-related challenges associated with AI. This included the water footprint of digital technology, alongside possible and emerging solutions.

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IWRA Webinars constitute an additional resource designed to help our members, academics, dedicated practitioners, and policy professionals further explore these and other timely themes engaging in fruitful discussions, also aligned with the international water agenda and in close collaboration with key partners.