“Joining the Water-AI Center of Excellence ensures the desalination and water reuse sector has a seat at the table from the outset—embedding water as strategic infrastructure in the design of data centers and industrial systems, rather than reacting once aquifers are already under strain.

At the same time, AI can significantly enhance desalination and reuse through improved operational performance, predictive maintenance, energy optimization, and smarter network management. The solutions already exist; what’s needed is the commitment to integrate them from day one.”

– Shannon McCarthy, Secretary General, IDRA

“The National Rural Water Association is excited to join the Water-AI Nexus™ Center of Excellence Advisory Council. We look forward to working with organizations in the tech and water industries to identify challenges and solutions as AI and the Water Sector converge.

Ensuring that small and rural systems are considered as we have these important conversations about water and AI will be critical now and into the future.”

– Matt Holmes, CEO, NRWA

“The expansion of the Water-AI Nexus Advisory Council reflects a critical shift in how the water sector approaches innovation. At SWAN, we see firsthand that digital transformation is essential for building sustainable water systems.

By bringing together utilities, technology leaders, and global stakeholders, this initiative opens a platform to accelerate the adoption of AI across the sector. We are proud to support this collaboration dedicated to transforming water.”

-Amir Cahn, CEO, SWAN

“Artificial intelligence is transforming every sector from healthcare and manufacturing to logistics and finance. And water is the fuel of this new economy.

WateReuse Association is joining industry leaders to advance the Water-AI Nexus and envision the next generation of sustainable solutions for our communities, our economy, and our planet.”  

-Bruno Pigott, Executive Director, WateReuse Association

“As the intersection of AI and water becomes increasingly important, we see a significant opportunity for AI to help solve complex water infrastructure challenges. 

Autodesk is proud to join the Water-AI Nexus Advisory Council and collaborate with global leaders advancing more sustainable, resilient water systems. By bringing together connected data, design, and engineering, we can help ensure innovation in AI is matched with responsible water stewardship.”  

– Dan Lohmeyer, Vice President of Product Development, AutoCAD, Building, and Infrastructure Solutions, Autodesk 

“With the advancement of AI and growth of data center infrastructure, CDM Smith is enthusiastic in its support for the Water-AI Nexus™ Center of Excellence and its mission to align sustainable water management practices with responsible technological advancements.

As an organization committed to a One Water vision, we value innovative solutions that advance more resilient, sustainable, and efficient water systems.”  

– Dan Rodrigo, Senior Vice President and One Water Strategist, CDM Smith

“At Grundfos, our commitment has always been to solve the world’s water challenges and improve quality of life. We see the rapid growth of AI as a once-in-a-generation opportunity; water is not just a utility, but a crucial resource for the future of innovation and the well-being of our communities. We are proud to partner with these forward-thinking organizations to drive meaningful change across the water sector and beyond.” 

– Jay Stellmacher, General Manager, Industry Americas, Grundfos 

“AI will not solve every challenge facing the water sector, but it will fundamentally change what is possible. At Raftelis, we believe the utilities that will benefit the most will be those that integrate AI into their organizational strategy, not viewing it as just another software solution. We are in an exciting yet anxiety-inducing time, and the work happening at the Water-AI Nexus Advisory Council is exactly the kind of grounded, practical conversations that will help utilities leverage AI effectively and responsibly.” 

-Peiffer Brandt, CEO, Raftelis 

“At Xylem, we are proud to join the Water‑AI Nexus™ Center of Excellence Advisory Council and contribute to this important cross‑sector collaboration. This effort reflects a shared responsibility to protect and sustain our most critical resource — water — while ensuring that emerging AI technologies are developed and deployed responsibly.

By combining innovation and data, with deep water expertise, and by working alongside dedicated partners across the sector, we aim to advance more resilient water systems that deliver lasting value to communities. We look forward to sharing our experience, learning from others, and helping drive meaningful progress at the intersection of water and artificial intelligence.” 

-Matthew Pine, CEO, Xylem

“The House of Delegates is proud to join the Water-AI Nexus Advisory Council and help ensure that the perspectives of WEF’s Member Associations are reflected as AI and water infrastructure evolve together. By bringing practitioners, utilities, and innovators to the same table, we can accelerate practical, responsible adoption of AI that strengthens water resilience, supports workforce readiness, and advances solutions that communities can trust.”  

Nicholas J. Ellis, P.E., Associate Vice President, Hazen and Sawyer; member of the WEF House of Delegates