Welsh Water’s new artificial intelligence-driven tool, ORAI, has been shortlisted for three categories at the prestigious British Data Awards 2026 – underscoring the company’s commitment to using cutting-edge technology to deliver better outcome for customers.
Photo: Rhys Jones Welsh Water Operational Response Analyst
ORAI (Operational Response Artificial Intelligence) supports Welsh Water’s Operational Response & Control team to respond more quickly and consistently to incidents across the company’s 27,000km water network, including burst water mains or loss of supply to customers.
Developed in partnership with FOILAI, the system analyses pressure alarms, assesses potential impact on the water network, and recommends appropriate response actions.
By combining real time network data with insight from historical incidents, ORAI brings critical information together in one place to support faster, more informed decision-making. The system supports earlier intervention and more effective incident management by drawing on decades of operational knowledge.
The project has been nominated in three categories for the British Data Awards 2026, with Welsh Water nominated for both ‘Agentic AI of the Year’ and ‘Innovation of the Year’ awards, and the product owner for the ORAI project, Rhys Jones, has been nominated for the ‘Rising Star of the Year’ award.
The British Data Awards 2026 ceremony will take place on the 20th of May in London.
Emma Harris, Welsh Water’s Head of Planning, Response and Control said:
"We’re delighted to see ORAI shortlisted for the British Data Awards 2026.
“This recognition reflects our collaboration with FOILAI and our shared focus on using data and AI to improve operational decision making.
“Ultimately, ORAI will help us deliver a more reliable service for our customers, in line with our vision of fostering thriving communities by providing world class water services.”
Rhys Jones, Welsh Water Operational Response Analyst added:
“Working on ORAI has been hugely rewarding and I’ve really appreciated the opportunity.
“This system provides consistent assessment and valuable insight, supporting our teams to respond more effectively.
“It’s an excellent example of how innovative AI can complement and strengthen the expertise of our operational teams.”
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