AI Tool Enhances Access to UKWIR Water Research
On 5 August 2025, UK Water Industry Research (UKWIR) introduced an AI-powered search tool to simplify access to its extensive water research database. This move supports the key recommendations of the Independent Water Commission (IWC) final report, which highlights the importance of collaborative and evidence-driven research for the UK water sector’s transformation.
Mike Rose, UKWIR’s chief executive, stressed the need for increased cooperation across the water industry, supply chain, and academic institutions. He noted that the IWC report specifically acknowledged UKWIR’s role in fostering collaboration between industry and research bodies, emphasizing the organisation’s contribution to innovation and knowledge sharing.
The IWC report calls for a resilient, sustainable, and trusted future for water management. UKWIR’s AI search function addresses this by offering quick access to impartial, science-based data. This supports regulators, governments, businesses, and other stakeholders in making informed policy and investment decisions.
UKWIR is committed to helping the sector through this period of change by accelerating collaborative research and facilitating knowledge exchange. Their goal is to support solutions that serve customers, protect the environment, and restore public trust.
Faster Access to Essential Research
Previously, finding specific information within UKWIR’s extensive online research library could be time-consuming, especially during urgent decision-making. To address this, UKWIR developed an AI tool using large language models to improve search speed and relevance.
Carol Ham, the office manager, and Freya Caldwell, research and communications coordinator, led the project. Caldwell explained that the design prioritised user experience to create a search function that is intuitive, accessible, and delivers precise results quickly.
Ham added that the tool is freely available to all users, whether members or not, enabling broader access to UKWIR’s research. Transparency is a priority, with all source materials linked to ensure users can verify the origins of information. This approach supports well-founded policy and investment decisions.
An AI Search Tool Focused on Water Research
Developed in partnership with web developer Webree, the AI tool is integrated into UKWIR’s publication search page. Unlike general AI models such as ChatGPT, this tool is hosted onsite and trained exclusively on UKWIR’s collection of reports and resources.
Using a customised Llama large language model, common in scientific research, the tool provides highly relevant and accurate results aligned with water sector needs. It also learns from each interaction to maintain its usefulness over time.
The tool offers two main features:
- Contextual search: Users can ask direct questions in natural language and receive a list of relevant reports with specific page references. For example, “What’s the best method of removing coliforms from drinking water?”
- Generative response: Acting like a specialised ‘ChatGPT’ for water research, it synthesizes information from multiple reports into concise summaries. Users can request different levels of detail, such as pros and cons or ranked methods.
UKWIR believes this may be a pioneering tool in the water research sector. They are sharing insights and progress with the Global Water Research Coalition (GWRC), promoting international cooperation in this vital area.
Supporting Digital Transformation
Alongside the AI search tool, UKWIR launched a redesigned website in April 2025. The update, based on thorough user feedback, features a cleaner interface and improved navigation. This digital upgrade marks the beginning of ongoing efforts to enhance digital services and support the water sector’s modernisation, aligning with IWC’s forward-looking goals.
For professionals interested in AI applications in research and industry, exploring related training courses can provide practical skills to leverage these technologies effectively. Resources like those available at Complete AI Training offer relevant courses on AI search tools and prompt engineering.
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