The role of artificial intelligence in sustainable water management in Asia: a systematic literature review with bibliographic network visualization

Many areas in Asia may lack the necessary infrastructure, such as sensor networks and data analytics platforms, to support artificial intelligence (AI) applications effectively. Additionally, there may be barriers to technology adoption, including cost constraints and technical expertise. AI offers significant potential for improving water management in Asia; addressing these challenges will be crucial for realizing the full benefits of AI-driven solutions and achieving water sustainability goals in the region. Thus, this study aims to investigate how AI can contribute to sustainable water management systems in Asia. This research used a three-phase systematic review approach involving planning, conducting, and reporting. The approach aims to ensure a rigorous and unbiased examination of extant literature, enhancing the study’s credibility. Using appropriate inclusion–exclusion criteria and preset filters, 41 papers were selected from a total of 245 documents across both Web of Science (WoS) and Scopus databases. The review highlights AI’s potential to revolutionize water management practices by facilitating informed decision-making, optimizing resource allocation, and enhancing infrastructure maintenance. AI technologies, including machine learning and deep learning, offer advanced capabilities for predicting water availability, managing water footprints, and optimizing infrastructure operations. AI can be applied across various water management aspects, such as distribution, quality monitoring, disaster management, and infrastructure development. Despite its benefits, AI adoption faces challenges, such as data availability, computational complexity, and regional adoption variability. Ensuring reliable, secure, and ethical AI use is crucial. While promising, further empirical evidence and case studies are needed to validate AI’s effectiveness in real-world settings. Collaboration among researchers, utilities, policymakers, and communities is vital for developing AI-driven approaches aligned with Sustainable Development Goals. While AI holds promise for improving water management sustainability and efficiency, addressing data, adoption, and ethical challenges is essential for realizing its full potential in ensuring equitable access to clean water and achieving long-term water security in Asian nations and beyond.