Atty. John Dx Lapid, a lawyer, resigned as the acting general manager of the Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD) just four days after his appointment. Lapid was appointed on April 12, 2024, by the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) as the general manager on an officer-in-charge capacity. However, he was barred from entering the MCWD office on April 15, 2024, and subsequently posted a query as to why he was barred. The next day, he expressed his resignation through a post, citing the rift between MCWD and LWUA and the impact on his family as reasons for his decision [3f5f97a5].
In the midst of the conflict, mayors of areas served by MCWD expressed their support for Atty. Jose “Joey” Daluz III, MCWD BOD chairman, and General Manager Edgar Donoso, and not to the Interim Board of Directors (IBOD) appointed by LWUA. The mayors signed a Manifesto of Support to the MCWD Board of Directors, denouncing the alleged unlawful interventions of LWUA and emphasizing the importance of preserving the rule of law and safeguarding vital water services for Cebu Province's constituents. The conflict between MCWD and LWUA began when LWUA undertook a partial takeover of MCWD on March 15, 2024, and appointed five members of the IBOD. A rift ensued, leading to the barring of IBOD members from MCWD premises. The conflict has also resulted in heated exchanges between Cebu City Administrator Collin Rosell and MCWD Secretary Jodelyn May Seno regarding alleged irregularities stemming from the conflict [3f5f97a5].
Meanwhile, the Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) is piloting the use of AI and IoT technology in five public borewells in Bengaluru. The board plans to expand the implementation to a total of 7,000 borewells. On March 25, 2024, BWSSB demonstrated the implementation of AI and IoT in a borewell located at Benson Town in Central Bengaluru. The technologies will analyze flow patterns, regulate motor operation, and fix pumping levels. IoT sensors installed in the borewells will analyze flow patterns and send data to the cloud for assessment. Based on this data, the system will regulate motor operation and prompt shutdowns when water levels decrease. The BWSSB aims to manage the borewells more efficiently amid the water crisis in Bengaluru, where around 6,900 borewells have dried up. The civic agency has also implemented other measures to supervise water usage, including the compulsory use of tap aerators and restrictions on the usage of Cauvery and borewell water for certain activities [cd644ea7].
The City of Surrey has launched an artificial intelligence (AI) pilot to connect applicants to accurate information about the permitting process. The initial release focuses on single-family dwelling building permits and tenant improvement building permits. The goal is to raise awareness, expedite timelines, and improve the quality of applications. The Development Inquiry Assistant (DIA) is expected to enhance customer service, increase awareness of permitting requirements, improve response times for staff, and raise the quality of building permit applications. The project was made possible in part through a grant from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) under the Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) program. The DIA pilot can be accessed online [7d5fa775].
Macomb County in Michigan is using AI drones and SewerAI software to inspect its underground sewer lines more frequently and at a significantly lower cost. The county purchased the drone and software package for less than $100,000. The drones and software provide a better view of the underground infrastructure and can identify potential issues. The turnaround time for inspections is now 10 days maximum, with data often being turned around within 24 hours. The use of AI and drones is expected to result in lower costs for taxpayers and prevent potential disasters [b0fd2279].
The City of Atlanta plans to install 500 AI-operated devices across Midtown and the Westside to detect water main leaks. The initial pilot program included only 20 devices, but it has been expanded due to the recent water emergency in the city. The devices will be installed across a 35-mile stretch and will not only detect leaks but also determine the magnitude of the leak. The devices communicate with each other based on vibrations. The Department of Watershed Management hopes to have a good portion of the devices installed by the end of next week. Atlanta has reported roughly 500 water main breaks in the last 12 months, most of which are minor and quickly fixed. The City will have a follow-up meeting with engineers from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to assess the city's water infrastructure [2b3d900c].
The Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) in Las Vegas has become the first transit agency to install weapons-detection AI in their transit centers. The AI technology is designed to identify concealed weapons and alert security personnel. The installation of this AI safety tech is part of RTC's efforts to enhance security measures and ensure the safety of passengers. The weapons-detection AI system uses advanced algorithms to analyze video footage from surveillance cameras in real-time. If a concealed weapon is detected, an alert is sent to security personnel, who can then respond accordingly. This technology aims to prevent potential threats and provide a safer environment for commuters using RTC transit centers [faea82e3].
In conclusion, cities across the globe are increasingly utilizing AI and IoT technologies to improve water management. From the implementation of AI and IoT in borewells in Bengaluru to the use of AI drones and SewerAI software for sewer inspections in Macomb County, these technologies are helping to optimize water usage, detect leaks, and prevent potential disasters. Additionally, the City of Atlanta is installing AI-operated devices to detect water main leaks, while the City of Surrey is using AI to streamline the permitting process. Furthermore, the RTC in Las Vegas is leading the way in enhancing security measures by installing weapons-detection AI in their transit centers. These advancements in AI and IoT are revolutionizing water management and public safety in cities around the world.