K-water Accelerates Digital Transformation in Water Management Using AI

As climate change increases the risks of water disasters such as floods and droughts, the Korea Water Resources Corporation (K-water) is establishing a digital water management system using artificial intelligence (AI). The company is enhancing its response capabilities by applying AI across all aspects of water management, from flood forecasting to water treatment plant operations.

According to industry sources on June 17, K-water is innovating water management through a digital twin water management platform and an AI-based autonomous operation system for water treatment plants. The digital twin platform simulates real rivers, dams, and water environments in a virtual space, using AI to predict weather changes and inflow rates.

Notably, the AI-based real-time weather and inflow prediction technology, combined with a three-dimensional digital virtual environment, can analyze up to 48 discharge scenarios simultaneously. This allows for the simulation of various situations in advance and the identification of optimal discharge strategies, thereby enhancing flood response capabilities. It was highlighted as a representative case of disaster response in a report by OpenAI presented at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in January.

AI utilization is also expanding in the operation of water treatment plants. The AI-based autonomous operation system adjusts chemical dosing and operational conditions automatically based on changes in water quality, allowing for real-time responses to variations in raw water quality due to seasonal and weather conditions. This system is currently in use at 43 metropolitan water treatment plants nationwide and saved approximately 11 billion won in operational costs last year.

The digital twin water management platform and the AI-based autonomous operation system for water treatment plants were recently ranked first and third, respectively, in the Ministry of Economy and Finance's 'Top 10 Public Institution Innovation Projects' evaluation. Building on these achievements, K-water plans to leverage its digital twin water management platform and AI water treatment systems to expand its overseas operations.

Yoon Suk-dae, President of K-water, stated, "Through the advancement of AI water management technology and the expansion of the industrial ecosystem, we will elevate the water industry as a core pillar of the hyper-innovative economy and play a key role in making Korea a global AI powerhouse."