Leveraging Big Data Platforms in Water and Wastewater to Accelerate Machine Learning Optimization at a Regional Scale

With the abundance of data availability across treatment facilities, artificial intelligence is paving the way for unique optimization opportunities. The examples provided encompass the Agua Nueva Water Reclamation Facility (WRF), which concentrates on minimizing aeration energy expenses and enhancing nutrient management, as well as the Wilmington WWTF, emphasizing the optimization of disinfection chemicals. Several artificial intelligence (AI) and Bayesian modeling frameworks were developed with both sites using AI algorithms with mean absolute percentage errors < 10% for both forecasting of future conditions at a facility, as well as causal inferencing for predicting water quality. Post deployment, both sites are regularly achieving anywhere from 10-30% savings in energy or chemical usage. These case-study demonstrates significant progress in the successful implementation of AI at a treatment facility and the ability to aid in the empowerment of treatment plant operators while improving efficiencies in wastewater treatment.