The Water-AI Nexus Center of Excellence is a first-of-its kind initiative to address water sustainability in AI development while harnessing AI to solve critical water challenges.
Building on WEF’s legacy as a trusted convener, the Water-AI Nexus unites global leaders in utilities, technology, academia, and finance to solve today’s most pressing water and digital infrastructure challenges.
Our mission
We believe that sustainable water management and digital infrastructure can reinforce each other for good. Our focus is a dual mission:
Water for AI
Ensuring AI infrastructure uses water as efficiently as possible
AI for Water
Leveraging AI capabilities to solve pressing water scarcity and management challenges
Objectives
We created the Water-AI Nexus Center of Excellence to:
Lead and convene research at the intersection of water and AI
Bring together global leaders in utilities, technology, academia, and finance to advance open-access knowledge of applications for AI in water management
Advance AI-powered community water solutions
Leverage AI tools to co-develop sustainable water management solutions with local communities, ensuring technology reflects local priorities, knowledge, and equity principles
Empower the next generation of water leaders in the AI era
Mentor students, early-career professionals, and community members in AI-enabled water science and decision-making
The goal of the Center of Excellence follows a three-part strategy:
Assess
Identify what we know—and need to know—about water sustainability and the AI economy
Build
Advance knowledge through WEF’s volunteer communities and expert networks
Connect
Use WEFTEC and other convenings to catalyze market-driven solutions and develop collaborative approaches to sustainable water management in the AI economy
Read our insight report “Principles For Sustainable Water Use By Data Centers.”
It outlines four principles for water sustainability in data centers.
Founding Leaders
WEF convenes voices in Water and AI to sustainably solve water challenges and provide the latest in education, training, and best practices
Amazon brings cloud and AI expertise to support scalable, data-driven solutions
The Water Center at the University of Pennsylvania contributes research leadership and policy insight
Leading Utilities of the World helps shape practical applications from a global perspective
Interested in this effort?
Featured Highlights
Nov. 16, 2025
Earth TV Spotlights WEF and AI in the Circular Water Economy
This episode of “Earth with John Holden” introduces viewers to WEF’s launch of the Water-AI Nexus Center of Excellence, a global hub where water and artificial intelligence meet to tackle some of the world’s toughest challenges.
Sept. 29, 2025
Water-AI Nexus Theater: Media Briefing with Founding Leaders
The Water-AI Nexus Theater opens with a media briefing featuring the founding leaders who are shaping the future of water and technology collaboration.
Sept. 29, 2025
Water-AI Nexus Theater: Earth TV Video Launch and Panel Interview
Join leaders from Amazon, Loudoun Water, and Imagine H2O for the debut of Earth TV—a new storytelling platform showcasing how AI and data are reshaping water infrastructure and climate resilience.
Sept. 29, 2025
Water-AI Nexus Theater: Principles for Sustainable Water Use by Data Centers
Data centers play a critical role in powering the AI revolution—but their water use must be managed responsibly.
Events
June 15 – 19, 2026
Marina Bay Sands, Singapore
Singapore International Water Week is a global event that convenes water industry stakeholders for roundtables, summits, and technology exchanges to foster innovation and harness opportunities for impact.
Sept. 26 – 30, 2026
New Orleans, Louisiana
Visit the Water Environment Federation’s Technical Exhibition and Conference (WEFTEC) to hear from water industry leaders and see the latest developments from the Water-AI Nexus Center of Excellence.
FAQ
1. What is the role of each of the founding leaders?
WEF, Amazon, The Water Center at the University of Pennsylvania, and Leading Utilities of the World collaborated to launch the Center of Excellence to develop sustainable water practices for AI infrastructure while also using AI to solve global water challenges. This knowledge hub at the critical confluence of water and AI brings together water utilities, technology companies, and researchers to address the complex relationship between digital infrastructure and water sustainability.
- WEF convenes voices in Water and AI to advance water sector resilience and innovation, and provides water professionals the latest in education, training, and best practices.
- Amazon brings cloud and AI expertise to support scalable, data-driven solutions, and give tangible examples of how data center development can occur sustainably.
- The Water Center at the University of Pennsylvania contributes academic rigor, research leadership, and policy insight for both water and artificial intelligence.
- Leading Utilities of the World provides real-world utility perspectives and helps shape practical applications from a global perspective.
2. What does investment in the Water-AI Nexus entail?
Founding leaders are mission-aligned organizations that make a multi-year commitment to help support the goals and impact of the Center of Excellence. Their investment and thought leadership supports the development of tools, research, and convenings that strengthen the water sector’s ability to safely and sustainably operate in the AI economy.
3. How does the Center of Excellence address local water and energy concerns?
The Water-AI Nexus Center of Excellence promotes collaboration between tech players, utilities, and industry to develop solutions that respond to community-level challenges in water and energy consumption. This helps ensure that global innovation is locally relevant and sustainable.
4. What is the most pressing issue that the Water-AI Nexus is trying to solve?
The Center of Excellence addresses the urgent need to align water resource management with the rapid growth of AI and data infrastructure. This helps ensure that water resources are available, resilient, and equitably managed in a digital future.