The Future of Water and the Vision for the Center for Smart Infrastructure - Livestream

As an industry, we are dealing with some enormous challenges. Infrastructure dating back over a century must be upgraded to deal with seismic threats and dwindling natural resources because of climate change. The escalating frequency of wildfires and intensifying droughts is straining our systems beyond what they were originally designed for. And we are challenged to adapt to these changes while keeping our services affordable.

This is not a false dilemma.

And the only way we can solve our most challenging, most pressing issues, is by working together, by collaborating, and by innovating. And by challenging the status quo. With billions of planned investments in our infrastructure, there exists a unique opportunity to do things better. By fostering partnerships among infrastructure owners, academia, industry, consultants, and regulators, we will be able to confront these challenges head-on.

The Center for Smart Infrastructure (CSI) is a collaborative hub that will assist utilities in managing their infrastructure, water supply, and natural resources. Its goal extends to climate adaptation, enhancing water and wastewater operations, and supporting emergency preparedness for safer communities. Through exploration of cutting-edge innovations, utilization of remote sensing and monitoring technologies, and data-driven decision-making, the Center aims to revolutionize our approach.

The Center for Smart Infrastructure envisions a future where adaptive systems embody “intelligence for life.” Through this collaboration, the Center will bring partners together to provide innovative solutions that navigate today’s challenges, while ensuring a sustainable and resilient systems for the next century.