Using artificial intelligence, experts from the Water, Peace and Security Partnership (WPS) have developed a tool to predict where global water problems will occur up to a year in advance. According to researchers, warnings from the system can be used to investigate the causes of problems and direct aid to the regions most in need.

The new artificial intelligence system tracks water resources and combines this data with social, economic, and demographic information to flag areas where water-related security risks are developing. Tests showed that the tool was successful in detecting problems occurring in Mali’s Niger Delta.

Susanne Schmeier from the IHE Delft Institute for Water Education: “We want to detect water problems early enough… then we will strive for a quick dialogue process for these problems and to restore access to water as soon as possible.”

The problem of water security is increasing as a result of factors such as population growth, climate change, and rising economic demand. Currently, 36 percent of the world’s population lives in regions with problems accessing clean water. The threat has begun, and precautions need to be taken.

Data from NASA and European Space Agency satellites enable the system to monitor water resources around the world. These findings are analyzed alongside information from governments, international organizations, and research institutions using the power of artificial intelligence.

They plan to put the artificial intelligence tool into service towards the end of this year, starting with priority countries experiencing water problems.

Source: https://www.earth.com/news/ai-identify-water-security-risks/