This summer’s three-part webinar series, hosted by the Isle North America team, offered insights into emerging technologies, sector trends, and practical strategies for digital transformation in the water sector. Here are some of the key takeaways.
Webinar #1 – Isle Technology Hot List
*Isle offers independent, third-party technology scouting and evaluations. We do not endorse the vendors or technologies we evaluate; this information is intended for educational purposes only.*
In our first webinar of the summer, we featured 12 standout technologies identified by Isle’s global scouting team, including innovations in PFAS treatment, AI, sensors, and water quality monitoring. Attendees got a first look at some of the popular TAG Technologies and solutions that were presented at recent TAG Meetings, or will be included in the upcoming round of TAG Meetings.
Some of the technologies presented included:
Aquatis Predictive Maintenance Solution (Pdm) from Aquatis
A predictive and prescriptive maintenance platform designed to optimize the performance of rotating equipment and is particularly well-suited for utilities with aging infrastructure or where system reliability is paramount to maintain operational continuity.
Highlights from Isle’s scouting team:
- Uses big data analytics, machine learning, and prescriptive maintenance for predictive insights.
- Requires no baseline data, enabling immediate monitoring.
- Eliminates the need for weeks of system study.
AQ/OC Sensor from ANB Sensors
A solid-state sensor for pH, conductivity, temperature and salinity monitoring that requires no calibration.
Highlights from Isle’s scouting team:
- Monitors changes in pH and acts as an event alarm for salinity and conductivity in wastewater, surface water, and estuarine water.
- Retains the capabilities of glass electrodes sensors while overcoming limitations such as fragility, frequent calibration, and storage in solution.
Knowledge Twin™ from TeamSolve
An AI-powered platform used to improve water utility operations and asset management by converting historical data into actionable insights to support strategic operational planning and decision-making.
Highlights from Isle’s scouting team:
- Supports maintenance, incident response, and onboarding.
- Centralizes documents and operator knowledge.
- Enables natural language queries—like a utility-specific ChatGPT.
Webinar #2 – From Ripples to Waves: Mid-Year Trends Making a Splash
In July, our second webinar revisited key themes from Isle North America’s FY23–24 Year End Summary and examined how utility priorities have evolved mid-year. Drawing from TAG Meetings, the AI Horizons Project, PFAS Utility Partnership Project, and updates from the ACE25 Innovation Hub, we explored how utilities are reframing their approaches across three key areas:
- PFAS: The conversation is shifting from “What should we do?” to “What’s the most effective option?”
- Data Analytics: Utilities are moving beyond tool selection toward structural changes that support better decision-making.
- AI: Interest is growing in how AI can be applied strategically, with early pilots and internal alignment efforts underway.
These shifts reflect a broader movement across the sector—from asking what’s possible to determining what’s practical, strategic, and ready for implementation.
Webinar #3 – Pipe Dreams and Data Streams
The final webinar explored how to keep the human side of innovation front and center during the digital transformation process. The “Three T’s” framework: Time, Transparency, and Training, offers a practical way to create clarity and alignment across teams throughout the process.
- Time – Define roles, frameworks, and maintenance plans early.
- Transparency – Engage stakeholders and set clear expectations.
- Training – Build staff literacy and capture institutional knowledge.
Hear from Dr. Reshmina William, Senior Project Manager at Isle, as she gives an overview of the “Three T’s” framework.
If you missed a summer webinar session and are interested in learning more about the discussions, please contact [email protected].