Thematic Priority Area: Digital Transformation
News and Highlights Theme Leaders Resources How to Participate Related
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.
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.
The 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 a Global Water Institutes Report on 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. To participate, contact Elsa Incio at elsa.incio@iahr.org.
Upcoming publication 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.
The following members are leading the thematic priority area on Digital Transformation:
Universitat Politècnica de València, Spain
DHI
Denmark
DHI
Denmark
Discover a wealth of knowledge through the IAHR Resource Guide on on Digital Water. Gain access to thousands of videos, publications, and related documents that support research, innovation, and solutions in climate change adaptation and mitigation.
Explore these resources and stay informed on the latest developments in hydro-environmental sciences by visiting the guide.
IAHR unites over 5,000 experts globally in hydro-environmental sciences and their practical applications. With more than 20 technical committees, working groups, regional divisions, national chapters, and partnerships with leading water institutions, IAHR is at the forefront of advancing climate change adaption and mitigation.
Join Our Communities
IAHR welcomes both individual members and organisations to contribute. Explore the Directory of IAHR Experts and connect with our vibrant Technical Communities. Explore our Joint Committee IAHR/IWA on Hydroinformatics.
Collaborate: Join existing initiatives or propose new ones. IAHR offers a truly global platform to exchange, inform and work together.
Reach out to theme leaders or our theme coordinator, Elsa Incio at: elsa.incio@iahr.org to discuss!
Together, we can drive innovation and solutions for pressing hydro-environmental challenges. Your expertirse and ideas are essential to our mission.
Article on the evolution of AI
The Challenges of Global Water Security: Using Hydroinformatics to Obtain Solutions
Report on the conference
