• Webinars
The Promise of AI for the Water Sector
6.05.2026

Wednesday, 6 May 2026 | 17:00–18:30CEST | Online (Zoom) | Webinar no. 76

Background

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to transform how water is managed, offering huge advances in how data is analysed, decisions are made, and services are delivered. Yet, these emerging opportunities raise critical considerations around issues such as data governance, energy use, and the environmental footprint of digital infrastructure.

To explore these challenges and opportunities, IWRA is launching a new webinar series: “The Promises and Challenges of AI, Data Centres & Freshwater Futures”. Bringing together experts from around the world, the series examines the intersection of emerging technologies and water sustainability.

Part 1: The Promise of AI for the Water Sector

From smarter data to faster decisions and more adaptive systems, this session explores how emerging technologies are supporting more efficient and resilient water management. This session is designed to be interactive, with audience participation and a live Q&A.

Opening remarks and roundtable panel:

  • Dragan Savić, Professor of Hydroinformatics, University of Exeter; Global Advisor on Digital Sciences, KWR Water Research Institute

Roundtable panel:

  • Christopher Gasson, Publisher, Global Water Intelligence
  • Jennifer Heymann, Senior Water Advisor Technical Lead, Waterplan
  • Vikki Williams, Director of Digital Water, Arup

Moderator:

  • Gabriel Eckstein, Water law expert; President, International Association for Water Law; Immediate Past President of IWRA; Board Member, IWRA

Part 2: Water Challenges and Constraints for AI and Data Centres

The second webinar flips the script. It explores rising water footprint and sustainability challenges of rapidly expanding digital infrastructure.

More on part 2

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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.