ChatGPT wrote (some of) this

In the spirit of this edition’s theme – Smart Water – I asked ChatGPT to write a 500-word column on the use of technology within the water and sanitation sector. It started like this:

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The use of technology has revolutionised many industries, and the water and sanitation sector is no exception. In recent years, innovative technologies have been developed to improve water and sanitation systems, particularly in developing countries where access to clean water and adequate sanitation facilities remains a major challenge. Innovative technologies are transforming the water sector and providing new opportunities for water companies, consumers, and the environment. By using these technologies, we can improve water quality, reduce water wastage, and ensure a sustainable water supply for future generations.”

Yawn, thanks for stating the obvious, ChatGPT. Fortunately, the rest of the magazine is filled with some new, original and interesting opinions, projects and technologies:

My child once dropped my iPhone into the toilet. It was not a great day when I learned that water and phones (and children) should not interact with each other. But page 16 tells us otherwise, where we read about how mobile technology and the internet of things (IoT) are used to bring clean water to people.

We all know about the dismal state of Durban’s beaches and, in true South African style, the University of KwaZulu-Natal has developed a ‘poo predictor’ website to inform locals and tourists if beaches are safe on page 20.

On page 32, we learn that green hydrogen production is not a threat to water security.

And Derrick Kgwale, COO of Joburg Water, gives an overview of the utility’s operation on page 34.

Deploying technology within the water space

When asking leaders and experts within the industry for advice on adopting new technologies, and the reason why these technologies are not deployed more often, I find different versions of the same answer: Business-as-usual approaches and traditional technological choices are insufficient to address the current water crises. The sector has historically been conservative, risk averse, and slow to adopt and disseminate new technologies. It remains underfunded and water service providers are frequently resource-limited, lacking sufficiently skilled staff and financing to invest in researching, testing and deploying new technologies.

Improving digital transformation in the water space requires a comprehensive approach where users are aware of their digital maturity, have a digital strategy, are committed to improving everyone’s digital capabilities, and embrace a culture of collaboration.

To conclude, I decided to ask ChatGPT to give me a quote on the importance of innovation, and it did a much better job than the 500-word column: “Adopting new technologies is not just about staying ahead of the curve; it's about gaining a competitive edge, improving efficiency, and unlocking new opportunities for growth and innovation.”

- Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft

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