One year after launching the Water-AI Nexus, the Center of Excellence is entering its next phase of growth with new Advisory Council leadership, seven strategic work groups, and the launch of the Nexus Network, creating new pathways for collaboration across the water sector and beyond.
Together, these efforts will accelerate development of practical resources, insight reports, programming, and partnerships focused on responsible AI adoption and sustainable water management.
Advisory Council Elects Leadership
The Advisory Council has selected its inaugural partner leadership team, naming Lauren Barbir (HDR) as Co-Chair and Susi Ricker (WWEMA) as Vice Chair. Ricker will then take on the role of Co-Chair in January 2028 and a new Vice Co-Chair will be appointed. They will work closely with Steve Dye (WEF), who is the Advisory Council Chair. The new leadership model strengthens partner engagement while ensuring balanced representation across utilities, associations, technology providers, researchers, and industry partners.
“One year after launching the Water-AI Nexus, we’re seeing tremendous momentum from organizations eager to work together at the intersection of water and AI. Lauren and Susi represent the collaborative spirit that has made this initiative successful, and their leadership will help guide the next phase of growth,” said Ralph Exton, Executive Director of the Water Environment Federation. “Through our work groups and the new Nexus Network, we’re expanding opportunities for engagement and building the partnerships needed to develop practical solutions that support both responsible AI innovation and long-term water resilience.”
Seven Work Groups Begin Their Work
To focus expertise and action, Advisory Council members have organized into seven work groups addressing key areas of the Water-AI Nexus mission. Each group will bring together subject matter experts to develop resources, recommendations, and knowledge products for the sector.
AI for Water Systems
Exploring how AI can improve utility performance, operations, customer service, asset management, and water quality monitoring.
Water Management for AI Infrastructure
Advancing sustainable water strategies for data centers and other AI infrastructure through water stewardship, reuse, and innovative cooling approaches.
Data, Security & Responsible AI
Addressing cybersecurity, governance, privacy, interoperability, and responsible AI adoption.
Policy & Strategy
Exploring policy, funding, regulation, and public trust considerations needed to support responsible AI deployment at scale.
Workforce & Organizational Transformation
Helping organizations prepare their workforce and leadership teams for an AI-enabled future.
Financing Water Infrastructure
Identifying innovative approaches to support investment in water infrastructure and long-term resilience.
Marketing and Communication
Translating Water-AI Nexus expertise into accessible stories and resources, amplifying insights across the water and AI communities, and building awareness and engagement around the initiative and its work.
Introducing the Nexus Network
The Water-AI Nexus is also launching the Nexus Network, a new participation tier designed to broaden engagement beyond the Steering Committee and Advisory Council. The Network creates an open pathway for utilities, technology providers, researchers, nonprofits, startups, and other organizations to contribute expertise, share resources, participate in work groups, and support the Water-AI Nexus mission.
Network participants will help expand the reach of Water-AI Nexus insight reports, identify subject matter experts, contribute case studies and research, and foster collaboration across the growing water-AI ecosystem. To be considered for the Nexus Network, organizations and individuals must first complete the interest form and then submit the application provided.
Building the Next Phase of the Water-AI Nexus
The Water-AI Nexus was created to help the water sector navigate the opportunities and challenges created by increasingly capable AI technologies while addressing the water needs of expanding AI infrastructure. Through its Leadership Committees, Work Groups, and Nexus Network, the Center of Excellence is building the partnerships and practical resources needed to support responsible innovation and long-term water resilience.
As this work advances, the Water-AI Nexus will continue convening experts and sharing actionable insights through webinars, forums, research, and collaborative programming.
Upcoming opportunities to engage include:
Water Data Forum: Durable Skills for the Water Workforce in the Age of AI
November 4, 2026 | 12:00–1:00 p.m. ET
In a facilitated discussion, researchers, managers, and workforce development experts examine which analytical and modeling skills remain durable, and why demand is growing for people who can check what AI produces, direct the work of AI alongside the work of people, and explain results to those who act on them. Panelists will discuss what this means for hiring, for people already in water jobs, and for the pipeline of water sector talent.
Building a Secure Foundation: Cybersecurity and Responsible AI for Water Utilities
December 17, 2026 | 1:00–2:30 p.m. ET
Presented by the Data, Security & Responsible AI Work Group in the Water-AI Nexus Center of Excellence, this webcast brings together federal agencies, water sector security experts, and utility practitioners to examine the cybersecurity landscape utilities are navigating as their systems become more digital and AI-enabled.