Using AI to Monitor Water Use and Costs
Businesses face growing pressure to manage water more efficiently while maintaining productivity. Although that can be a challenge, innovation is transforming the way organizations approach water management, including artificial intelligence (AI).
AI is opening possibilities across every stage of the water cycle, bringing real-time data, predictive analytics, intelligent automation, and much more. There are plenty of tech possibilities: From detecting hidden leaks before they become costly problems to optimizing treatment processes or reducing energy consumption.
Large companies know about pumps, pipes, treatment systems, cooling, and cleaning needs, but may not be aware of how intelligent solutions can improve water performance.
AI is helping industrial organizations move from reactive to proactive water management, where systems can anticipate failures and recommend improvements before they affect operations.
In this article, we’ve listed the main AI and high-tech solutions for efficient water use, especially companies and services focused on commercial and industrial water solutions.
AI-Powered Filtration Solutions
When we talk about prevention instead of reactive action, AI-powered filtration comes into play when the filtration system recognizes subtle changes in water quality before they become visible through routine testing. Warning signs consider historical data and alert operators that adjustments may soon be needed, which reduces risks.
Today, there are plenty of possibilities to improve environmental control, such as filtration systems connected to intelligent sensors that evaluate how the system is performing, building data to shape the company’s pattern on the water side. Rather than responding to unexpected equipment failures, they can identify the conditions before the daily routine is affected. The main smart solutions on the filtration side for businesses are:
- Quality monitoring, which uses intelligent systems to analyze parameters such as turbidity, pH, conductivity, dissolved solids (TDS), dissolved oxygen, and temperature, besides identifying trends that track if filter performance is declining before it becomes a problem, especially considering the standards in Canada, which must be followed.
- Predictive filter maintenance, where instead of replacing filters on a fixed schedule, artificial intelligence gives an extra hand by determining when they actually need repairing based on data pattern changes, which evaluate pressure differentials, flow rates, contaminant loading, and historical performance in general. Did the pattern change? That will be noticed, reducing maintenance costs and avoiding unnecessary replacements.
- Smart activated carbon systems. AI can estimate when activated carbon is nearing saturation by analyzing operational data, helping businesses replace media at the optimal time while maintaining treatment performance. As that is an important step to remove contaminants, having this extra AI help prevent issues and boost the effectiveness of carbon filtration.
- Digital twins for filtration plants. It’s considered a virtual model of a filtration system, where artificial intelligence evaluates and tests different operating conditions. To better explain, we can say it’s a virtual replica able to apply different situations to check better possibilities before making effective changes in the real system. Virtual tests to check the best path to follow.
- Smart water stations. Clean water for internal consumption, so having safe and clean drinking water for employees is essential for every company, independent of the segment and size, and water filling stations can deliver pure water on demand.
Water Filtration Companies
AquaTru
Features
From compact to large products, AquaTru has a plenty of options to better fit to businesses necessities when we talk about internal water filters for employees or even clients.
According to the company, which products are independently tested and certified to NSF standards by IAPMO, AquaTru Pro’s patented technology is 80% more efficient than traditional reverse osmosis systems. Before being delivered, the filter eliminates microplastics, lead, chromium 6, arsenic, nitrates, BPA, radium, atrazine, pesticides & berbicides, benzene, chloroform dibromochloropropane (DBCP), methoxychlor, fluoride, carbofuran, copper and many other contaminants.
Their freestanding RO systems (Model 1 & 3) have an average TDS reduction rate higher than 90% as certified by IAPMO R&T, a goal reached after a multi-stage filtration process (mechanical, activated carbon, reverse osmosis, VOC + PFOS) to remove contaminants down to 0.0001 microns.
Customer Information
Phone Number: 800 226-1513
North America-Wide
View DetailsHydroFlow Canada
Features
HydroFLOW uses a patented electronic signal called Pearl Plus to prevent new hard scale from forming and helps existing scale gradually erode and becoming easier to manage over time. The process to make it work is divided in three steps.
First, the Pearl PLUS unit clips around your existing pipe (all types), then a harmless 150kHz signal travels through your entire plumbing system causing dissolved minerals to form soft crystals instead of hard scale. Last but not least, after the second step existing scale gradually breaks down and washes away, making pipes, hot water heater and appliances protected 24/7.
For industrial applications, HydroFlow also offers the i-Range device, a easy to install water conditioner that provides a chemical-free solution for the harmful effects of scale, corrosion, bacteria, and algae. According to the company this solution is ideal for cooling towers, boilers, chillers, filtration systems, dewatering systems, irrigation systems, power Generation.
Customer Information
Email Address: info@hydroflow.com
Phone Number: +1 877 477 3569
Canada-Wide
View DetailsCulligan
Features
Delivering products and services on the water side, Culligan’s mission has been for 80 years to deliver high quality water through filters (offering reverse osmosis drinking water systems which remove more than 90 contaminants); softening services (which use the Culligan Connect app to track water usage and stay on top of maintenance with low-salt alerts and service notifications), and solving possible water issues. such as bad tasting, and odor, after their experts analysis (is just needed to schedule a free consultation).
O the water treatment side, the company, has even a different website to take care of this topic. According to Culligan, they have the capabilities and technologies to meet NCCLS, USP and USP-WFI water quality standards, and offers system designs which target specific process water problems to generate water that meets established excellence, including ASTM electronic grade standards, CAP and NCCLS reagent-grade water standards, EEI and EPRI recommendations, SEMI pure water guidelines, ABMA guidelines, primary and secondary drinking water standards, surface water treatment rule, and USP purified water standards.
The water treatment service also has advanced electronic options available on many of industrial water treatment systems, including alarm recognition, remote monitoring options, historical operating data logging, programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), and telemetry options – a low-cost alternative to PLCs.
Customer Information
Phone Number: 1-877-431-9752
North America-Wide
View DetailsReducing Water Loss With AI Solutions
We have an entire article on water management that you can read by clicking here. Focusing on AI, a smart water system can recognize unusual consumption behaviour caused by leaks or damage, identifying early signs of equipment degradation, and signalling opportunities for improvement through data.
Independent of the niche and size, industrial facilities generate enormous amounts of operational data every day, evaluating flow rates, pressure levels, chemical consumption, temperature variations, equipment performance, water quality measurements, and everything related to internal processes, equipment, and consumption.
Before AI, data was challenging to analyze because the interpretation was made by employees manually, but now, AI-powered monitoring solutions combine sensors, connected devices, and advanced analytics to track water systems, and check potential issues even behind the wall or underground, which would have been challenging and costly years ago.
Today, AI can identify patterns, build graphics for consumption comparison, create data, control equipment behaviour, and track usage from everywhere, depending on the system. A shift that represents one of the biggest changes in industrial water to avoid losses.
Companies that invest in smarter water solutions are better positioned to respond to changing regulations, resource challenges, and market expectations.
Water Loss and Maintenance Prevention Companies
Watts
Features
The story of Watts Water Technologies traces back to 1874, when it started as a machine shop and has grown into today’s worldwide known water solution technology company. Although Watts Water Technologies offers solutions for drainage, HVAC, plumbing, and rainwater harvesting, its primary focus has been on advanced monitoring technology within its Nexa Intelligent Water Management Platform.
Instead of a single sensor, the Nexa platform is an integrated ecosystem of sensing technologies. It was engineered for large commercial and industrial buildings to maximize water system efficiency and prevent costly damage. The Nexa’s best sensor is the leak detection sensor, which targets real-time visibility and focuses on water safety and efficiency. The platform also consists of flow sensors and meters (to monitor consumption patterns and identify anomalies), and point-of-use leak detectors (sensors like the SentryPlus and Alert Discharge Sensor are used with pressure relief valves).
Just like any other advanced water leak detecting platform, Nexa Intelligent Water Management integrates those sensors with software that offers alerts when a leak is detected and controlled, such as automatic shut-off.
Customer Information
Phone Number: 905-332-4090
Canada-Wide
View DetailsCanadian Leak Detection
Features
For more than 40 years, Canadian Leak Detection utilizes advanced technology and a non-invasive approach to pinpoint even the most difficult of leaks with minimal damage, making the process less stressful. According to the company, whether a leak occurs under a floor, behind a wall, or between slabs, they can quickly and correctly locate it without causing unnecessary destruction to your property.
With a fully licensed and insured team, the company reaches different niches and covers vary problems, such as Irrigation leak detection, infrared leak detection, crack injection repair, emergency services; leak detection for commercial pools, spas & fountains; commercial/municipal water distribution systems; cause and origin report for leaks. Another point the company highlight is that, before they start any work, it is provided an accurate and upfront quote, also personalized and based on your business situation.
Canada-Wide
View DetailsCarma
Features
Based in Lindsay (ON), the company has offices in Calgary, Edmonton (AB), and Vancouver (BC) offering for over 45 years utility submetering systems and billing services for residential, commercial, and institutional markets nationwide. Some of the services provided are billing and collection, consumption data reporting, and on-site technical services to enable cost recovery, and support sustainability reporting and analytics to owners.
Regarding the consumption report, their system generate ranking reports to compare energy performance, witness real-time alarms, and execute on investment priorities. The interval data is stored every 15 minutes for 25 months, and the info is weekly review and reporting of interval data integrity (collect & aggregate).
Customer Care Information
- 1-888-298-3336
- info@carmacorp.com
Canada-Wide
View DetailsWater Management Company
Features
With over 30 years of experience, WMC Water has built strong partnerships across Ontario and Quebec, specializing in industrial, residential, and commercial businesses solutions for diverse sectors, including food and beverage, manufacturing, hotels, data centers, healthcare, pharmaceutical, HVAC, education, and government facilities.
Licensed Professional Engineering Firm WMC is specialized in water treatment, water management, and system optimization for HVAC, boiler, cooling tower, and industrial applications, having a team of engineering ready to support business every step of the way, from concept to equipment supply, installation, commissioning, service, maintenance and future needs. Facilities benefit from:
- Reduced water consumption through optimized operation;
- Lower energy use from improved heat transfer efficiency;
- Controlled chemical usage through precise program management.
Besides bringing solutions on water, WMC affirm its focus is to help companies on building a sustainable future with smarter, safer, more efficient water systems that reduce operating costs and support long-term sustainability, including LEED certification and net-zero strategies.
Customer Information
Phone Number: 416 321-0101
E-mail Address: wmc@wmcwater.com
Ontario and Quebec
View DetailsArtelia
Features
Consolidated, with more than 100 years of history, and 10,000 employees distributed in 40 countries, the Groupe Artelia focus on bringing a plenty of solutions on the urban infrastructure side (airports, bridges), renewable energy, industry, and on water. Our focus here.
For water, and wastewater solutions, their team of specialists applies their expertise in physico-chemical and biological treatment to develop tailor-made solutions that guarantee regulatory compliance and operational efficiency. Depending on project requirements, they can also support industrial and mining site managers in water management by assisting in drawing up water balances, as well as in the design and supervision of ditches and basins, based on hydrological, hydraulic or hydrogeological modelling.
According to Artelia, this complete, and multidisciplinary assistance can cover the need to prepare and submit applications for government authorization certificates to the various levels of government, and to ensure rigorous environmental monitoring. According to Artelia, the company’s mission is to ensure a reliable supply of drinking water and efficient wastewater management while adapting solutions to their clients necessities.
Customer Information
Phone Number:
Toronto +1 (905) 677-9009
Quebec (418) 871-9330
Vancouver (514) 982-6001
Canada Wide
View DetailsDigital Twins for Businesses
We talked about this topic before, for filtration, but that is an option for everything, not just water-related. So we want to bring the subject up again to make clear how beneficial it might be for water in industrial water management, as the virtual representation can simulate changes to check if they can or cannot be effective. As it replicates reality, the physical water system continuously receives real-world operating data and is not affected by any test.
We know investments are often pricey for businesses, so this solution avoids unproductive changes and the company being regrated, as engineers can use digital models to simulate various options and possibilities, evaluate operating strategies, predict future performance, and identify opportunities for effective improvement before making adjustments and consequently incurring costs in the actual facility. It’s a new possibility for companies that deserves attention and research.
Matterport
Features
Founded in 2011, Matterport is a USA based company and leading spatial data focused on digitizing and indexing the built world offering services and products across the world. Regarding digital twins, our topic, their solution go beyond 3D virtual tours by transforming your properties into valuable data. According to Matterport, with features like detailed layouts, informative labels, precise measurements, and comprehensive analytics, their advanced AI engine provides instant access to powerful insights.
Stills about twin technology, their system photorealistic able a 3D factory exploration giving a comprehensive view of the entire facility, being 30% more effective than traditional video or paper-based training. As we said before, the visual representation provides the needed information and comprehension of processes, effectiveness, and operations.
Customer Information
Phone Number: +1 (408) 805-3347
North America-Wide
View DetailsAI on Wastewater & Water Reuse
Wastewater is still treatable through industrial wastewater treatment, a complex process that must balance efficiency, environmental compliance, and operating costs.
Artificial intelligence can evaluate incoming wastewater characteristics and recommend adjustments during the treatment process by optimizing aeration, filtration, chemical dosing, and biological treatment, consequently boosting efficiency while reducing energy and even waste.
Talking about water reuse, the common next step for many companies after wastewater treatment, artificial intelligence helps determine where recycled water can be safely used and monitors water quality. Both wastewater treatment and water reuse boost not only sustainability initiatives, but long-term operational resilience and savings.
Da-Lee
Features
Over 40 years of experience Da-Lee provides products and services from Dust Control, pavement products to wastewater treatment solutions. A family owned business since 1972, focused on environment and human health and safety.
About wastewater treatment, our focus in this article, according to the company, with over 1 million litres of storage capacity, they have the flexibility to process and treat many different types of liquid industrial waste with a experienced team constantly to insure all treated waste meets all city and provincial regulations and guidelines, so important in Canada for all segments.
Based in Ontario, Da-Lee reaches all North America providing solutions for municipal and industrial clients.
Customer Information
Phone Number: (905) 643-1135
North America-Wide
View DetailsAI and Water Billing
Artificial Intelligence is making billing smarter, fairer, and more proactive; instead of following the traditional water billing process (consumes water, receives a bill, pays the balance), AI systems can analyze data from smart meters and even suggest possible issues.
But why is this important? To increase accuracy and avoid inaccurate billing, which is common in large businesses. Historical consumption, weather conditions, seasonal trends, and customer behaviour – everything is verified through a system capable of identifying unusual patterns before they become expensive problems for businesses.
A company that has an AI system for water billing can be notified in case the water usage increases compared to the normal average, gaining the opportunity to fix the problem while it’s still manageable. Anomalies can also be detected, including meter malfunctions, data transmission errors, unexpected consumption spikes, possible unauthorized water use, and duplicate billing records.
Basically, with AI, the billing is more transparent by automatically generating personalized explanations instead of generic statements, and can even explain, depending on the system, why usage changed, which appliances or outdoor activities likely contributed, how weather influenced consumption (in Canada, that is important), and give tips, such as practical ways to reduce the next bill.
SEW.AI’s Intelligent
Features
Reaching North America with AI services, SEW.AI’s Intelligent, introduces it self as a “Connected Vertical AI Platform is purpose-built for the energy and utility industry” offering most of the solutions we talked about above, such as a personalized, AI-driven journeys with digital billing, eMobility, and multichannel engagement.
With more than six platforms that can better fit industrial needs for different cases, SEW.AI’s Intelligent offers, for example, the #1 SmartiX Platform, which aims to improve water and energy efficiency, reduce water leakages, create reports based on data, and delivers customer and workforce insights and automates business processes using information from multiple sources, including IoT.
Their system also provides insights on high usage, demand response, peak load management, leak detection, program management, and overall usage trends. As we said before, the real-time analysis can eliminate inefficiencies and streamline utility operations, enabling the customer being proactive instead of reactive.
Customer Information
Phone Number: +1 (949) 409-6833
North America-Wide
View DetailsReviewing commercial water treatment options and costs
Looking to reduce your water costs? Check our Water Hub, which covers a wide range of water efficiency tips for both homes and businesses. EnergyRates.ca can also help you review and reduce your utility costs beyond water usage. Our experienced team of energy consultants can support you in comparing plans for your commercial, large commercial or industrial operations.
In addition to lower bills, EnergyRates.ca can also help businesses with corporate sustainability solutions, including Carbon Accounting, RECs and Carbon Offsets, and VPPA information.
Contact us or call us at 1-855-635-9608 for a custom quote based on your energy needs.
