The Water Council launched the global Tech Challenge in 2018 to find and commercialize new freshwater technologies. Contestants are given a theme selected by corporate sponsors with problems in need of solutions. Contestants then try to provide the corporations with rapid innovation.
Service ID allows water utilities to identify lead pipes from homeowner-submitted photos using AI. This eliminates the need for field inspections when completing lead service line inventories, helping communities meet lead and copper rule requirements and protect public health.
Service ID allows utilities to identify lead pipes from submitted photos using AI. Submitted photo.
“By issuing a broad call for solutions, we uncovered promising innovations for some of the most pressing water challenges today – improving access to clean water and identifying lead pipes for replacement,” said Katie Kollhoff Mouat, The Water Council director of innovation programs. “We are inspired by the potential for the winners and all the applicants to help provide clean, reliable freshwater to people around the world.”
The winner of the fall Tech Challenge was Geotek Water Solutions, an African company using low-temperature geothermal energy to treat water with up to 65% lower energy costs than conventional systems.
Geotek won a $10,000 cash prize while Service ID was awarded $5,000. Challenge topics and winners were selected by corporate sponsors A. O. Smith Corp., Badger Meter, Watts Water Technologies and Xylem.
Elizabeth Morin is a writer based in Virginia Beach. She is passionate about local sports, politics and everything in between.
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