AI Optimizes Drayton Valley’s Water Operations

The Town of Drayton Valley partnered with RL Core Technologies and ISL Engineering to explore how artificial intelligence could improve water treatment operations. The results indicate that several gains are possible, including a 13% reduction in chemical use and a 15% reduction in the amount of water wasted during backwashing (cleaning). 

The project brought together the University of Alberta’s world-leading research in reinforcement learning with practical engineering expertise, turning advanced AI into a tool that fits seamlessly into existing municipal infrastructure. The system continuously monitors plant conditions and automatically fine-tunes chemical dosing throughout the day. This allows operators to maintain high water quality while reducing waste and operating costs, without adding any new equipment or making any major procedural changes. 

Designed with municipalities in mind, the approach avoids costly simulations or complex programming. It enhances current operations, supports staff on the ground, and adapts dynamically to changing conditions. 

The pilot addressed key municipal pressures head-on: aging infrastructure, tight budgets, staffing gaps, and increasing environmental demands. By focusing on cost savings, ease of use, and operator enablement – not replacement – it offered a practical, low-risk pathway to innovation. 

For Drayton Valley, the pilot has proven that innovation doesn’t have to be risky or out of reach; it just needs to consider and accommodate the realities municipalities face. With the right partnerships and tools, any community can lead the way in operational excellence. 

For more information, please contact  hylann [at] abmunis.ca (Hylann Ma), Growth and Innovation Manager.