Hydrogeology in the Age of AI: Innovation, Sustainability and Stakeholder Connection

Hydrogeology today is evolving faster than ever, driven by advances in computing, artificial intelligence and data analytics. Brian Luinstra from SRK Consulting, a hydrogeologist with over 20 years’ experience, discusses how these changes are transforming the way we model, monitor and manage groundwater systems — and how collaboration, communication and cultural awareness are becoming essential to sustainable water stewardship.

Having been in the hydrogeology space for over 20 years, how has your job evolved through the likes of technology, sustainability, etc.?

The biggest changes I have seen are advancements in computing and the use of AI, which allow us to work with much larger datasets and incorporate statistical uncertainties in our work. Numerical groundwater simulations that used to take several days can now be completed in minutes, allowing my team to provide solutions in a much more efficient manner.

Drilling techniques have also advanced rapidly, and site work today is being completed much faster, with better precision and much safer than it was at the start of my career.

The focus on sustainability was always a key component of hydrogeology investigations; however, it has evolved from a goal of acquiring permits to a real focus on gaining stakeholders’ approval. As groundwater resources are becoming (globally) scarcer, there is greater awareness among stakeholders about the cumulative impacts of groundwater abstraction and mining. This often places a modern hydrogeologist in the position of trying to educate and alleviate the concerns of stakeholders.

Dealing with highly technical content and processes in your work, how do you navigate communicating your findings to stakeholders who don't have the same speciality as you?

A picture or 4D graphic, in this case, is worth a thousand words, and in many ways, communicating technical work has never been easier. We now have access to fantastic visualisation tools and 3D printing, which help to illustrate in 4D what previously would have been difficult for a non-technical person to conceptualise. Combining these tools with plain language is very effective in getting the message across. 

Recently, working with a Traditional Owners group, we were able to 3D print a model showing the pre-mining and post-mining landscape for them to understand the impacts of subsidence on their country. Having a tangible model allowed them to visualise these impacts in real terms and make an informed decision.

What do you think the future of hydrogeology looks like as AI becomes more and more embedded into functions and practices?

AI is already firmly embedded in many of the numerical tasks undertaken by a typical hydrogeologist and will continue to facilitate the use of larger and more representative datasets to assess issues, predict outcomes and develop solutions more accurately. I believe the focus will shift towards collecting more and better data to support the level of detail we can now achieve with the availability of AI to process and analyse that data, making complex reporting tasks easier and less time-consuming.

Can you please describe the role of your work in the ESG space?

Water management as a practice is inherently interlinked with the environment and approvals. I have been involved with a number of First Nations groups both in Canada and Australia over my career, primarily functioning as a subject matter expert for them, both through the environmental approvals process and finding solutions for safe and sustainable water supplies.

More recently, I have partnered with the Western Kangalou First Nation in Central Queensland to provide monitoring and water management services on their country, focusing on building capacity and becoming the keepers of water knowledge for their traditional lands.

What is your perspective on the value of forums like AusIMM's Thought Leadership Series helping drive some of our industry's most important conversations forward?

I think it is crucially important to provide a forum for the industry where we can discuss the issues we are facing and work collaboratively towards finding solutions. I find this format especially beneficial as it brings together industry decision makers in a more intimate setting, allowing them time to share their unique ideas and perspectives. I believe it is a rare opportunity to make a positive change to our sector and its legacy.