What is Artificial Intelligence and Why Is It So Talked About?
In recent years, the debate around artificial intelligence has become increasingly central.
This invention, the result of a rapid and accelerated technological evolution, has entered every area of our daily lives and is now being integrated into the workflows of countless professions.
Historically, technological revolutions of this magnitude have always raised doubts and concerns. In the case of Artificial Intelligence, such concerns are directed toward the impact this technology may have on the environment and the progressive automation of tasks, with the consequent risk of job losses.
AI and Sustainability: A Possible Combination
Starting from the environmental issue, the main concerns are related to the high energy consumption required by data processing centers. To prevent servers from overheating, a significant amount of water is needed for cooling a seemingly contradictory fact in a sector committed to the protection of water resources.
Tuttavia, è importante fare chiarezza su un punto fondamentale: non esiste un’unica “intelligenza artificiale“, ma molteplici varianti, ciascuna con scopi, caratteristiche e impatti differenti.
In particolare, possiamo distinguere due grandi famiglie:
- Generative AI,
- Agentic AI.
Generative AI: Digital Content and High Consumption
The first, more well-known to the general public, is specialized in creating digital content (images, text, videos, music, etc.). This type of AI has limited applications in water treatment and is therefore not the AI we will refer to in this article.
Moreover, it is precisely this variant that is often associated with greater energy resource usage.
Agentic AI: The Intelligence That Acts
Agentic AI, on the other hand, is designed to plan, solve problems, and autonomously improve its performance. It is meant to support humans in complex tasks, helping them analyze large volumes of data and make faster, more effective decisions.
This type of AI requires less energy to operate compared to its Generative counterpart.
In fact, while Generative AI creates, Agentic AI acts.
In water treatment, Agentic AI is already in use across various applications.
A concrete example is microbiological analysis: thanks to AI, it is possible to identify the presence of pathogenic bacteria in real time, distinguishing them from harmless or beneficial ones, with a level of precision and speed that would be difficult for a human to achieve.
It is also used to monitor water parameters such as pH, chlorine, turbidity, to predict potential failures in filtration systems, and to optimize the use of chemicals, contributing to greater operational sustainability.
Artificial Intelligence as an Ally, Not a Replacement
AI thus proves to be a tool at the service of the worker, rather than a potential replacement. The core knowledge still lies with the biologist or chemist, who remain the true guardians of their expertise.
What AI does is simply make their work easier, because that’s what it should be: a tool in human hands, not a substitute.
Artificial Intelligence is already being integrated into the industry, helping professionals in various tasks
- Analyzing historical data from water networks
- Predicting shortages, leaks, or contamination
- Enabling quick and targeted interventions
AI could also become a valuable ally in the management of decentralized plants, making even small towns or rural areas more autonomous.
Why Invest in AI for More Efficient Water Management
In a constantly evolving sector such as water treatment where climate issues, water scarcity, and environmental protection are increasingly pressing focusing on workflow optimization is not only cost-effective, but essential to promptly respond to emerging challenges.
If used carefully, AI can contribute to environmental protection and to improving quality of life.
