AI-Powered Analytics for Water and Sewer Management
The worst thing is doing something efficiently that shouldn't be done at all.
Believe it or not, like it or not, the digitalisation of our world is non-negotiable—you can't stop this wave.
There's still a huge amount of work to be done in our industry.
Sometimes, when a topic really grabs me, I look for the pointers.
What are the pointers?
They're the ones who are already where many of us hope to be in the next few years.
That's why I believe we've brought in one of the key global pointers in AI-driven water infrastructure management: Infotiles.
Our episode #32 about leakage detection highlighted the challenges of operating a water network.
There's leakage—but where exactly? How many crew members are needed? How efficient is the team’s mobilisation? How can we improve preventive measures?
These are just a few of the questions decision-makers face.
So, why not give them the most accurate data to help them make the most effective decisions?
That’s exactly what our guest and their team are all about. Truly amazing work.
With just a few clicks, they can analyse where the problems lie, estimate the cost of likely repairs, and connect the dots, because when you have the right data, the possibilities expand.
Another key topic we discussed with our guest Marco Westergren, Chief Analytics Officer at Infotiles, was a societal trend that can’t be ignored: the demographic shift in developed countries.
The so-called “silver tsunami”—a wave of professionals and operators retiring in the next few years, often without a new generation ready to take over (more insights at the end of this article)
They leave with the knowledge and experience stored in the hard drives of their minds.
Many of us are already seeing this happen with colleagues we know.
This is why it's so important to pass on knowledge, to leave the world better than we found it.
AI and digitalisation can help preserve this expertise, enabling continuous improvement rather than reinvention.
The Silver Tsunami Is Coming for the Water Sector
The "Silver Tsunami" is a term used to describe the large wave of retirements expected as baby boomers—those born roughly between 1946 and 1964—reach retirement age.
It's especially relevant in industries that rely on long-term expertise, like water, utilities, engineering, manufacturing, and public infrastructure.
The Silver Tsunami is a critical issue, as many water utilities, treatment plants, and regulatory agencies are staffed by aging professionals.
Without strategic planning, this could lead to:
Operational disruptions
Loss of critical expertise
Delays in adopting new technology
Difficulty meeting regulatory or sustainability goals
It’s also an opportunity: to bring in new talent, digital tools, and fresh approaches—if the transition is managed well.
What can we do? Or at least what The Water MBA is also trying to do somehow.
Pair experienced staff with early-career professionals. Old heads, young hearts—working as one. Or as we say in Spanish, “juntar ganas con canas”
Capture what veterans know before they leave.
Make water cool again. Young people want purpose (also opportunity, that’s another story…), this industry has it.
From technicians, engineers, operators to policy leads…education pipelines need support.
If you’re reading this, chances are you’re one of the people who will help sustain and shape the future of our water industry.
So thank you—for your curiosity, your commitment, and for simply being here.
Behind The Scenes
How did we reach to create this episode and publication?
Back then in Sept 2024, the CEO of Infotiles, Johnny Alexander Gunneng sent me a message to talk and catch-up through LinkedIn.
At the time, I was deep into research around digitalisation and data-driven strategies, so the timing was perfect.
We had a great call—just getting to know each other, sharing our values and purpose—and it was clear that there was strong alignment.
Johnny wasn’t looking for surface-level conversations or simple exposure; he appreciated our mission to genuinely share what we believe is needed in the sector, whether for clients, organizations, or professionals.
We both believe that the path forward through digitalisation is clear.
A few weeks later, I had a short demo session with Marco to explore their tools, understanding what they offer, how it would work from the perspective of a professional needing their services, and what kind of value it could bring.
Marco is one of those people you’d want on your team, he brings top-tier expertise, a clear vision, and an admirable obsession with doing things right.
With all that in place, it made perfect sense to invite them as guests on The Water MBA.
And now, 8 months later, you’re receiving this concise publication and episode on our TV.
European Desalination Society Congress in Portugal
It’s congress season, but not for me, unfortunately.
In less than 30 days, I’m expecting my third child to arrive on this planet, so I don’t have the “green light” to travel right now (if you know what I mean 😊).
If you’re attending, or planning to, I know quite a few professionals who will be there and are worth connecting with. Let me know, and I’ll be happy to suggest some people you should say hi to.
I’d really appreciate it if any of you who attend could reach out (LinkedIn, WhatsApp, email…) and share anything insightful you learn or ideas worth exploring further.
