Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Water Resource Management

Water is fundamental to life, yet its sustainable management is increasingly under threat due to rapid population growth, urbanization, climate variability, and rising pollution levels. Traditional water management strategies, often fragmented, reactive, and sector-specific, are struggling to cope with the growing complexity, uncertainty, and scale of modern water challenges. In this context, artificial intelligence (AI) emerges as a transformative enabler, capable of enhancing efficiency, foresight, and resilience in Sustainable Water Resource Management (SWRM). This chapter explores the integration of AI, particularly machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) techniques—into the framework of Sustainable Water Resource Management (SWRM), aligned with the targets of Sustainable Development Goal 6 (clean water and sanitation for all). This chapter first provides foundational overview of the global water cycle and the stark reality of freshwater availability, emphasizing the growing pressure on groundwater and surface water systems. The chapter outlines the limitations of conventional water management and positions Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) as a holistic but incomplete framework unless supported by advanced data-driven tools. AI, with its capacity to analyze complex datasets, identify patterns, and support real-time decisions, offers new pathways for adaptive and inclusive water governance. The chapter presents a structured taxonomy of AI applications across key domains of agriculture, industry, domestic supply, wastewater treatment, groundwater management, and climate resilience. From smart irrigation and leak detection to flood forecasting, aquifer health monitoring, and policy simulation, AI enables more precise and proactive water management. It also addresses critical challenges such as data quality, algorithm transparency, ethical considerations, and the need for institutional readiness, highlighting the need for responsible, inclusive adaption and implementation. While AI is not a panacea, its thoughtful integration can usher in a new era of water governance, one that is responsive, equitable, and climate-resilient. As the world faces escalating water stress, AI offers a timely and essential tool to support sustainability, justice, and resilience in water resource management.