In an exciting initiative, artificial intelligence (AI) is shaking up water safety at popular wild swimming locations in Southern England. UK startup UniFi Technology has deployed AI-powered sensors to provide real-time water quality warnings, protecting swimmers from potential health risks associated with polluted water.
Dan Byles of UniFi recently explained in a Reuters report that the system analyzes data from upstream sensors, monitoring factors like pH, temperature, and ammonia levels. Over a six-month training period, the AI learns to correlate these patterns with bacteria levels, offering instant updates through a mobile app.
This innovative approach addresses the limitations of traditional water testing methods, which often provide results days after sampling. The technology aims to shield swimmers from gastrointestinal illnesses, skin infections, and more serious waterborne diseases.
The initiative is part of a broader strategy to improve England’s waterways, which have suffered from years of underinvestment and the impacts of climate change. While challenges remain, this AI-driven solution marks a significant step towards ensuring safer wild swimming experiences.
