News and Highlights  Theme Leaders  Resources  How to Participate  Related  Keep me updated

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

From Data to Water Decisions - Accelerating the Digital Journey Report

IAHR launches the inaugural IAHR Global Water Institutes Report Series: From Digital Acceleration to Real-World Impact: Scaling Innovation in Water Engineering. The report was officialy presented during the 41st IAHR World Congress High-Level Panel on Digital Transformation, From Digital Acceleration to Real-World Impact: Scaling Innovation in Water Engineering. More info.

Global Water Innovation Report

During the 41st IAHR World Congress, IAHR launches the 2025 IAHR Global Water Innovation Report.This landmark publication consolidates the perspectives of over 200,000 water professionals and national associations from nine countries representing more than three billion people. More info.

High level panel on Digital Transformation in the 41st IAHR World Congress: From Digital Acceleration to Real-World Impact: Scalling Innovation in Water Engineering

This session spotlighted real-world use cases that demonstrated how cutting-edge technologies—such as AI, IoT, digital twins, and big data analytics—drove efficiency, sustainability, and climate resilience in hydro-environment engineering. Beyond current applications, expertes explored emerging trends that shaped the future of water engineering, from autonomous systems to predictive analytics. Crucially, the session addressed what policymakers and decision-makers needed to anticipate in this rapidly evolving landscape, ensuring that regulatory frameworks, investments, and governance structures aligned with the digital future of water management. For more detailed programme, visit here.

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.

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 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