In a interval of unprecedented change and scrutiny for the UK water sector, UK Water Business Analysis (UKWIR) have introduced a major development in accessing its vital water analysis, with the launch of a groundbreaking bespoke AI search software.
This initiative instantly helps the suggestions of the not too long ago printed Unbiased Water Fee (IWC) remaining report, which highlighted the essential position of collaborative, evidence-based analysis in navigating the sector’s profound transformation.
“At this pivotal second, UKWIR is looking for even better collaboration throughout the whole water sector, together with its provide chain, and main tutorial establishments,” mentioned Mike Rose, UKWIR chief government. “This can be very optimistic that the Unbiased Water Fee’s report instantly recognized UKWIR as enjoying a ‘key position’ in driving collaboration between the trade, analysis establishments, and academia. This endorsement underscores the very important position we play in supporting innovation and data switch.”
The IWC report emphasises the necessity for a resilient, sustainable and trusted water future. UKWIR’s new AI search operate is a direct response to this name, offering organisations and stakeholders with fast, cutting-edge analysis to tell coverage and funding selections throughout this vital interval.
“Because the supplier of neutral, science-based information, UKWIR stands able to work carefully with regulators, authorities, personal companies, and all different events to make sure that coverage and funding selections are knowledgeable by the most effective out there proof, resulting in a resilient, sustainable, and trusted water future for all,” concluded Rose.
“The approaching interval marks a profound shift for the UK water sector, and UKWIR is absolutely dedicated to supporting our members and the broader trade each step of the way in which. We’re nicely positioned to speed up our collaborative analysis efforts, scaling to ship very important proof, and assist the data alternate wanted to navigate this transition efficiently. Collectively, we are able to construct a water future that actually serves prospects, protects our surroundings, and restores public confidence.”
Speedy entry to very important analysis
Traditionally, navigating the wealth of water analysis UKWIR has out there on-line could possibly be time-consuming, notably when fast, knowledgeable decision-making is required. To hurry up this course of and empower the trade with readily accessible data, UKWIR has launched into a undertaking that makes use of synthetic intelligence (AI) with massive language fashions to facilitate higher entry to its very important water analysis.
The undertaking was spearheaded by UKWIR’s workplace supervisor Carol Ham, together with UKWIR’s analysis and communications co-ordinator Freya Caldwell.
“We put person expertise on the coronary heart of the design course of when creating our new AI search operate,” defined Caldwell. “A very efficient analysis platform wanted to be intuitive, accessible, and able to delivering strong and extremely related outcomes rapidly, particularly because the sector grapples with important challenges and alternatives.”
“This free software permits all stakeholders, members and non-members alike, to interact with UKWIR’s cutting-edge water analysis extra effectively. Simply as importantly, customers have to belief the knowledge generated – which is why our supply supplies are all the time linked to supply full transparency and traceability,” added Ham.
This transparency is essential for guaranteeing that coverage and funding selections are constructed on a strong basis of dependable information.
‘ChatGPT’ for the water sector
The bespoke AI search software was created in collaboration with internet developer Webree. It sits on the publication search web page of UKWIR’s web site, and in contrast to general-purpose AI fashions like ChatGPT or DeepSeek, UKWIR’s software is hosted onsite and educated completely on UKWIR’s personal library of reviews and instruments.
This centered coaching, utilizing a extremely customisable Llama massive language mannequin, which was chosen for its prevalence in scientific analysis, ensures the software delivers extremely related and correct outcomes, tailor-made particularly to the distinctive wants of the water sector. In the meantime, the AI repeatedly learns and improves with each interplay, guaranteeing its continued relevance in a quickly evolving panorama.
The search software gives two distinct capabilities:
- Contextual search: Customers can ask questions in a conversational method, for instance – ‘What’s the most effective methodology of eradicating coliforms from consuming water?’ – and obtain a listing of related reviews with particular web page references.
- Generative response: Performing like a ‘ChatGPT for water analysis’, the search software pulls collectively info from a number of reviews to supply concise summaries. Customers can even specify the extent of element required, for instance, asking for lists of professionals and cons, or prioritised strategies.
UKWIR’s group believes this could possibly be a world-first for water analysis, and is sharing the findings, progress and learnings with the International Water Analysis Coalition (GWRC), of which UKWIR is a member, fostering worldwide collaboration on this vital space.
Past the AI search software, in April 2025 UKWIR launched a redesigned web site. Primarily based on intensive person analysis, the brand new website boasts a cleaner, extra navigable interface – which the analysis organisation says is only the start of a steady journey to boost its digital capabilities and assist the water sector’s personal digital transformation, consistent with the bold targets set out within the IWC report.
