AI Implementation: Successes, Challenges and Hands-On Learning
AI and digital transformation are already reshaping the water sector — but what does successful implementation actually look like in practice?
On October 27 at the Mississauga Grand, WEAO’s Intelligent Water Solutions Committee will bring together utility leaders, technology providers, consultants, researchers and young professionals for a full-day technical seminar focused on the realities of implementing AI and digital transformation across the water and wastewater sector.
The program will move beyond the hype to examine real-world applications, lessons learned, implementation challenges and practical approaches organizations can use as they move from digital strategy to operational value.
What attendees will take away
Participants will have the opportunity to:
- Learn directly from utilities and organizations actively implementing AI, digital twins, data analytics and other digital transformation initiatives.
- Explore what has worked — and what hasn’t — as organizations move from pilots and strategies to implementation.
- Participate in practical discussions and hands-on learning focused on applying AI within the water and wastewater sector.
The day will include utility case studies, panel discussions, a student debate and hands-on AI training, along with presentations from experts working across utilities, consulting, technology and data.
Meet the Speakers
Alireza Parhami
Director of Digital Transformation, DC Water
Session: DC Water’s Digital Transformation Journey Towards Operational Resiliency
Parhami leads enterprise-wide digital initiatives at DC Water, including digital twins, data analytics, GIS and intelligent operational systems. He will share insights from DC Water’s digital transformation journey and its application to operational resilience.
Patrick Bonk, P.Eng.
Principal, Water Tech GTM
Session: Why Do Digital Transformation Initiatives Fail?
Bonk works with water technology companies on innovation, adoption and growth and brings experience in digital water, AI analytics, digital twins and go-to-market strategy.
Jeff Brill
Digital Water Leader, Carollo
Session: From Hype to Impact: Practical AI for Water and Wastewater Utilities
Brill will explore the practical application of emerging technologies and digital solutions and how they can be used to improve operational performance and deliver value across water and wastewater systems.
Chris Teolis
Regional Data and AI Leader, Arup
Session: AI “State of the Water Industry” and Canadian Federal Government AI Initiatives
Teolis advises infrastructure owners and operators on AI adoption, data strategy and digital transformation, drawing on experience across water, transportation, aviation and energy.
Imran Motala
Manager, Water & Wastewater Asset Management and Strategic Asset Planning, Region of Peel
Motala will share how utilities can combine hydraulic modelling with statistical learning to improve wastewater forecasting.
Naysan Saran
Co-Founder & CEO, CANN Forecast
Saran is co-founder of CANN Forecast, which applies AI and machine learning to municipal water challenges. She will discuss how predictive analytics can complement traditional engineering approaches.
Bradley Williamson
Lead Technical Architect, Manuka AI
Session: From Lakehouse to AI: Delivering Real-World Utility Outcomes with Databricks
Williamson will demonstrate how utilities can use modern data platforms, Databricks and AI to move from pilot projects toward operational value.
Jon Grant
Director of Sales, Operational Technical Services (OTS)
Session: Hydrotech.AI: A Utility-Built AI Framework Driving Operational Intelligence and Workforce Empowerment
Grant will explore how Hydrotech.AI can help utilities capture operational knowledge and strengthen workforce capabilities.
Full Agenda Now Available
Explore a full day of practical insights, candid discussion and interactive learning focused on AI and digital transformation in the water sector.
The October 27 Intelligent Water Solutions Technical Seminar will bring together utility leaders, consultants, technology professionals and students to explore both the opportunities and realities of implementing AI and digital tools across the water sector.
The agenda includes presentations on digital transformation, practical AI applications for water and wastewater utilities, wastewater forecasting, operational intelligence and workforce empowerment, along with a student debate, interactive workshop and panel discussion.
View the full agenda below and register to join us on October 27.
Morning Session | Successes & Challenges
8:30–8:45 AM
Registration & Light Breakfast
8:45–8:50 AM
Welcome Remarks & Opening Address
Nick Copeland (Arup) & Imran Motala (Region of Peel)
8:50–9:20 AM
Keynote: DC Water’s Digital Transformation Journey
Alireza Parhami (DC Water)
9:20–9:40 AM
Presentation: Why do digital transformation initiatives fail?
Patrick Bonk (Water Tech GTM)
9:40–9:55 AM
Q&A
9:55–10:10 AM
Coffee Break
10:10–10:25 AM
Presentation: From Hype to Impact: Practical AI for Water and Wastewater Utilities
Jeff Brill (Carollo)
10:25–10:40 AM
Presentation: Best of Both Worlds: Where Statistical Learning Meets Hydraulic Modelling in Wastewater Forecasting
Naysan Saran (CANN Forecast) & Imran Motala (Region of Peel)
10:40–10:50 AM
Q&A
10:50–11:05 AM
Presentation: Topic to be confirmed
Neha Sharma & Bradley Williamson (Manuka AI)
11:05–11:20 AM
Presentation: Hydrotech.AI: A Utility-Built AI Framework Driving Operational Intelligence and Workforce Empowerment
Jon Grant (Operational Technical Services)
11:20–11:30 AM
Q&A
11:30–11:45 AM
IWS Committee Update: “(AI) State of the (Water) Industry” & WEF AI Policies
Nick Copeland & Chris Teolis (Arup)
11:45 AM–12:45 PM
Lunch
Afternoon Session | Debate, Discussion & Learning
12:45–1:45 PM
Student Debate
Two structured and moderated student debates on AI and digital technology
1:45–1:55 PM
Coffee Break & Networking
1:55–2:40 PM
Claude Presentation & Interactive Workshop
Malik Awan (Carollo) & Nick Copeland (Arup)
2:40–2:55 PM
Discussion & Reflections
2:55–3:00 PM
Student Debate Awards
3:00–3:45 PM
Panel Discussion: The Realities of AI and Digital Transformation
Moderator: Aby Sabzwari (GHD)
3:45–3:50 PM
Closing Remarks
Imran Motala (Region of Peel)
Register
Join WEAO on October 27 at the Mississauga Grand for a day of practical learning, discussion and knowledge sharing focused on the evolving role of AI in the water sector.