Why Let A Computer Tell Me Where To Dig? Separating The Benefits Of Data Science From "AI" Snake Oil

By Earl McDowell, Jr., BlueConduit

Is "machine learning" just digital snake oil? 

That's what some have begun to wonder. It's entirely reasonable for those in charge of a city's water resources to be doubtful about the benefits of machine learning when it comes to reliably tracking down lead service lines (LSL). 

But, given the scope of the environmental and water quality issues across the United States, we need all the help we can get. Good predictive analysis can help us sift key insights out of big data, helping us better choose where to dig to do the most good as efficiently as possible.