Sustainable Aqueduct Systems through Artificial Inteligence: Case Study in the Municipality of Valledupar (#571)

Authors

Gutiérrez De Piñeres Rocha, Jairo Alfonso

Abstract

A sustainable aqueduct is conceived as a comprehensive system that combines technical efficiency with social and environmental responsibility, ensuring equitable access to drinking water and the preservation of water resources for future generations. Under international standards, its design is based on optimizing water use through technologies that reduce losses, responsible management of water sources, and the implementation of conservation practices from the domestic to the agricultural sphere. Sustainability transcends the technical by promoting positive environmental impacts, community participation, and inclusive development, consolidating a water governance model based on innovation, equity, and resilience, aligned with global challenges of sustainability and environmental justice. In this context, predictive artificial intelligence (AI) is presented as an effective resource for designing sustainable aqueduct systems in vulnerable urban environments. The case study is located in commune 5 of Valledupar, a municipality with 567,593 inhabitants and an aqueduct system that supplies 1,600 l/s daily, but with average losses of 52.65%. The system has five gate valves and three regulating tanks with a total capacity of 33,000 m³. The research used predictive modeling with EPANET 2.2 and Power BI AI Forecast, supported by ISO 24512 and RAS 0330 standards from 2017. The findings showed a simulated reduction of 18.83% in tank deficits and 35% in total losses, demonstrating operational stability, scalability, and low environmental impact. It is concluded that AI applied to water infrastructure strengthens replicable, efficient, and resilient models in Latin America, contributing to the fulfillment of SDGs 6 and 11 and consolidating prospects for urban sustainability.