PHOEBE is proud to announce its participation in the upcoming WaterLoss 2026 Conference, taking place in Rio de Janeiro from 26 to 29 of April.

Organized by the International Water Association, this leading global event brings together experts, utilities, policymakers, and innovators working at the forefront of water loss reduction and sustainable water management.

Our Director, Dr George Milis will be present as a keynote speaker, delivering a talk titled:
“Demystifying AI: Cutting through hype and myths to achieve real impact.”

Moving Beyond the AI Buzz

Artificial Intelligence is one of the most talked-about technologies today, but also one of the most misunderstood.

In this keynote, Dr George Milis will take a step back to examine what “AI” really means in practice, particularly in the context of non-revenue water (NRW) and climate action. Rather than focusing on hype, the session will highlight how specific, well-understood technologies can deliver measurable impact.

From Theory to Practice: Real Applications

The presentation will explore two practical approaches:

1) Knowledge graphs and semantic reasoning: Helping utilities connect fragmented data - from sensors to customer systems - into actionable insights that support better planning and investment decisions.
2) Function fitting in machine learning: Offering a clear way to understand how algorithms learn from operational data, such as flow and pressure, enabling applications like leak detection, demand forecasting, and system monitoring.

Together, these examples illustrate both the potential and the limitations of AI, providing a grounded perspective on how digital tools can support more effective water loss management.

Reframing the Conversation

Beyond the technical discussion, this keynote will challenge the widespread use of “AI” as a catch-all label.

Instead, it will lead into a more pragmatic approach - focusing on choosing the right tools for real problems, rather than chasing terminology.

Join the Conversation

We look forward to engaging with peers and partners at WaterLoss 2026 and contributing to the global dialogue on sustainable water management and climate resilience.

If you’ll be attending, we’d be glad to connect.