The delegation visited utilities, research and demonstration facilities, smart-city projects, and technology providers. While its members studied many advanced systems, what stood out most to Rubio was the way innovation helped connect people, public service, long-term planning, and collaboration.

“At K-water, Korea’s national water utility, we learned how artificial intelligence and digital tools are being used to support water treatment and system management,” noted Rubio. “One important message was that technology is not simply about replacing people. It can help operators identify problems earlier, reduce human error, improve decision-making, and focus staff time where experience and judgment matter most.”
The group also visited a large water recycling center in Seoul that combines wastewater treatment with renewable energy, biogas, hydrogen production, reclaimed water, and public recreation.

“It was a strong reminder that utilities are not separate from the communities they serve,” shared Rubio. “Good infrastructure must also consider transparency, quality of life, sustainability, and being a good neighbor.”

At the Korea Water Cluster, participants explored how new water technologies can be tested and demonstrated before being used more broadly. The facility further demonstrated the value of collaboration between utilities, government, researchers, and private companies.

“The benefit of a study tour like this is not to return home and copy what another country is doing — every community is different,” explained Rubio. “The value is coming back with a broader perspective and asking better questions: How can we use data more effectively? How can we detect problems earlier? Can technology better support our workforce? Are there opportunities to recover more value from the resources we already manage? Those questions can influence how we plan projects, evaluate technology, manage risk, and prepare AlexRenew for the future.”
“As public servants, we have a responsibility to keep learning,” Rubio continued. “Sometimes the best ideas come from within our own organization, sometimes from our neighbors, and sometimes from seeing how another part of the world is solving similar challenges.”

Rubio returned to Alexandria with new ideas, new connections, and an even greater appreciation for the work we do at AlexRenew to protect public health, protect our waterways, and serve our community.
 

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