Michigan Water Agency Turns to AI for Asset Oversight
Water utilities facing limited resources are adopting AI to improve asset management and analyze operational data. A Michigan county water division uses the technology to support water quality optimization and regulatory compliance, pulling information from SCADA and maintenance systems. Officials say quicker analysis helps them justify upgrades and prepare grant requests.
Genesee County Drain Commissioner’s Division of Water and Waste Services, whose assistant director of water is Terry Biederman, is using AI to interpret operational records. It draws on SCADA and maintenance-management data, and works with Fontus Blue to improve water quality while meeting EPA and Michigan EGLE requirements.
The division also uses MentorAPM atop GIS. Field photos feed rapid condition assessments, cutting some assessments from months to days, and problems can trigger work orders. Biederman said AI helped assemble a grant application in an afternoon rather than nearly a week.
Residents and ratepayers in Genesee County could see benefits if faster analysis leads to more reliable water service, quicker repairs, and stronger regulatory compliance. Utility workers may shift time from compiling records toward preventive maintenance. Smaller agencies with limited budgets might also use similar tools for grant writing and asset planning, though results may depend on data quality, staff training, and oversight.