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In the past two years, more data has been generated than in the entire history of humanity. When combined with rapidly advancing computing power and connectivity, the digital opportunity has the potential to radically transform the entire water cycle. 

New technologies are driving a smarter, more efficient water future

Emerging technologies are enabling better water management, increasing efficiency, and advancing environmental goals outlined in hydrological planning and international regulations. These innovations unlock timely, accurate data to inform smarter water decisions. However, many critical water services still suffer from inadequate, missing, or poor-quality data, limiting their potential.

To fully realise the promise of digitalising the water cycle, we must act across all levels

IAHR is committed to advancing digital transformation in the water sector, focusing on 5 key areas essential for a sustainable, data-driven future:

• Data and Sensoring: Measuring and monitoring physical parameters in real-time to represent the water cycle with precision.

• Internet of Things (IoT): Maximising the value of existing communication protocols to enhance sensor deployment and develop inclusive, efficient monitoring environments.

• Modelling: Developing advanced modelling systems that address larger spatial scales with high accuracy, integrate diverse data sources, and factor in climate dynamics.

• Artificial Intelligence (AI), Big Data, and Technical Expertise: Adopting a balanced approach where human expertise plays a central role in interpreting AI insights, guiding operational implementation, supporting decision-making, and enhancing extrapolation capabilities.

• Digital Twins: Exploring the potential of digital twins to enable more comprehensive and dynamic management of the water cycle.

 News and Highlights

1st Global Meeting of the Platform of National Water Associations I 26 June 2025, Singapore

The 1st Global Meeting of the Platform of National Water Associations will take place in Singapore in the frame of the 41st IAHR World Congress, on Thursday 26 June 2025. The meeting will feature the inaugural edition of the IAHR Global Water Innovation Report: Priorities for Research, Engineering and Development. Time: 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM UTC+8. Location: Room 1, Singapore EXPO. 

REGISTER to Participate.

Upcoming IAHR Training Course on Remote Sensing (TBC)

The newly established IAHR Working Group on Remote Sensing will organise a course under the umbrella of the new IAHR Training Courses. The expert-led courses bridge the gap between theory and real-world application, providing valuable insights into key areas of water engineering for engineers, young professionals, practitioners, and graduates.

Organisation of a High level panel on Digital Transformation during the 41st IAHR World Congress

With the theme “Innovative Water Engineering for Sustainable Development”, the 41st IAHR World Congress (IAHR2025) will be held from 22-27 June 2025 at the Singapore EXPO. It aims to foster interdisciplinary dialogue, exchange cutting-edge knowledge, and explore innovative solutions to the world’s most pressing water-related challenges.

Upcoming publication of  an IAHR Water Monograph Series on Artificial  Intelligence  in  Hydroinformatics

Authors: Ibrahim Demir, Gabriele Freni, Duan Chen, Orazio Giustolisi, Dimitri Solomatine. This series presents information on physical processes, measurement techniques, theoretical material, numerical modeling techniques, engineering applications, and historical and cultural matters in an appealing readable and well-illustrated manner.

Upcoming 16th International Hydroinformatics Conference (HIC 2026)

The conference will be hosted at the School of Engineering and Architecture (EINA) at the University of Zaragoza, Spain from 22 to 26 June, 2026. Conference themes: Innovative Water Technologies, Data-Driven Water Wisdom, Modelling the Future: AI & Cloud, Urban Water Digitalization, Next-Generation in Hydraulics & Hydrology, Climate Resilience in Water, Eco-Coastal Hydroinformatics, Smart Water System Strategies, Water-Energy-Food Synergy, Complex Water Systems, Remote Sensing and Control,Teaching Tomorrow’s Water Experts. More info.

Upcoming publication of the Global Water Institutes Report: "Digital Transformation of the Water Sector" - Accelerators and Risks, during the 41st IAHR World Congress

The Global Water Institutes Report on the Digital Transformation of the Water Sector is based on insights from leading global institutes in hydro-environment engineering and research. Selected organisations worldwide are invited to contribute. For more info and to participate please visit this page

Upcoming issue of Hydrolink Magazine on Digital Twins

Hydrolink is the primary magazine of the IAHR community. The online version of Hydrolink is open to non-members since 2021 as part of the efforts of the association to disseminate and share knowledge. The upcoming issue of Hydrolink will explore Digital Twins, a cutting-edge technology revolutionising water management and engineering. This edition will feature expert insights, case studies, and applications of digital twins in hydrology, infrastructure monitoring, and real-time decision-making.

 Theme Leaders

 Explore other Thematic Priority Areas:

• Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation

• Water for the Energy Transition, Food Security, and Nature

• Improving Resilience against Water Hazards and Disasters