Droughts, Pandemics, Recessions, And More: How Machine Learning Can Help Water Utilities Prepare

Analytical forecasts—whether done by hand or via software—can help water utilities prepare for changes in demand and usage patterns. Most types of forecasts are based on assumptions and habits that are easy to understand. However, there are occurrences that can be difficult to both predict and prepare for, even as they are happening. Extreme situations, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and multi-year droughts experienced in many parts of the U.S., present unprecedented challenges to water utilities.

While no one can predict if or when another pandemic will strike, water utilities can help themselves prepare by investing in machine learning analytics software. Machine learning incorporates data from a variety of resources, including weather, economic data, and more, to build models that help utilities make the necessary adjustments to their processes, budgets, and potential capital expenditure (CAPEX) spending.

Learn about just a few situations that can cause extreme changes in water usage patterns—including recessions, drought, and economic shifts—and how machine learning can help water utilities adapt.