Artificial intelligence (AI) is penetrating every segment of the commercial property industry, and the hospitality sector is no exception. With hotels, resorts and businesses in the lodging industry implementing this technology to improve operations and solve persistent challenges, the benefits to owners, operators and staff are becoming evident.
One way AI is making a difference for these properties is by improving water management practices. Many establishments in the lodging space now leverage AI to better detect leaks, mitigate water damage and conserve water, all with the goal of providing excellent—and uninterrupted—customer service to their guests.
Considering that water damage from broken pipes and leaks is a leading cause of commercial property insurance claims, getting to the root of the problem quickly—or in some cases even before the problem occurs—can save property owners unneeded stress, time, and money. That’s where AI solutions make such a significant contribution.
Improving Leak Detection
They say water is one of the biggest enemies for any building, and that’s especially true for those in the hotel and lodging industry. We all know hotels, resorts and other lodging establishments traditionally use a lot of water, and therefore are more susceptible to water damage than other commercial buildings. Let’s face it, a serious water problem could mean shutting down a room, a floor or even a whole section. And that could lead to catastrophe for the business.
That’s why unexpected leaks are one of the banes for any property owner. Leaks can cause significant damage, negatively impact an otherwise eco-friendly hotel’s reputation and lead to lost revenue.
After all, even a small, undetected water leak can quickly add up to a hefty water bill, not to mention the possibility of flooding and repair costs. It’s also important to keep in mind that in properties like this, the water systems are usually interconnected, meaning that a leak in one area can quickly escalate into widespread issues throughout the establishment.
AI can make all the difference in water management. AI algorithms can identify and predict potential leaks based on unusual consumption spikes, enabling proactive maintenance before any damage occurs. AI sensors can continuously monitor water flow and pressure, detecting any unusual patterns and alerting staff to issues in real time. There are also AI-driven acoustic sensors that can identify the sound of running water, water pooling or leaks in pipes, even within walls, which again can alert staff to problems in real time.
Furthermore, when a leak or overflow is detected, AI-integrated systems can automatically shut off the water supply or divert water flow to prevent extensive damage until maintenance can address the issue. This real-time response is invaluable, as it stops problems from escalating—an essential feature for anyone who has experienced the aftermath of unchecked water damage hours after an issue began.
Enhancing Data
Property owners can leverage AI to analyze water data and gain valuable insights into water management. The right AI solutions continuously learn and adapt to a water network. For example, AI can process data from sensors that provide information about flow, pressure, noise or tank levels, and use this information to figure out what’s working and what’s not.
It also can simulate future scenarios by examining historical data to predict when pipes, plumbing or other water infrastructure may fail. This allows owners to schedule maintenance checks more efficiently and reduces the likelihood of water damage.
Therefore, by comparing one site’s usage over a period with other similar locations by using AI, it will help property owners optimize water efficiency.
Thinking Sustainable
As more property owners prioritize sustainability, AI can help them make data-driven decisions on which sustainability upgrades will improve water systems most effectively. And that’s important in an age when more people than ever are making choices based on a company’s environmental practices. Studies show that consumers are willing to spend a little more on a product or experience that thinks sustainably, and that includes picking a hotel or resort to be a guest.
AI can detect water flow anomalies in real time, leading to greater conservation and reduced utility costs. For example, even simple fixes like monitoring running toilets can reduce water consumption and support sustainability goals—something that resonates with eco-conscious guests.
Yaron Dycian is chief product and strategy officer for WINT Water Intelligence, a start-up tech company that developed artificial intelligence-powered leak detection and mitigation solutions. WINT serves some of the world’s largest organizations and is used globally by customers including the Empire State Building, HP, PepsiCo, Suffolk Construction, as well as many other leading enterprises, general contractors (GCs) and facility owners.
