Water data science

IWMI strengthens water security through innovative data analysis and application, as well as novel digital tools. To address critical information gaps, IWMI collects and analyzes data using technologies like remote sensing and compiles fragmented datasets from various public and private sources. This comprehensive approach equips researchers, policymakers, and communities with the data and information they need to make informed decisions and manage water resources effectively.

Our research in action

To improve access and analysis, IWMI makes its data publicly available through Open Access platforms and offers user-friendly digital dashboards that integrate real-time monitoring and practical insights. These platforms empower experts to address water- and climate-related challenges, and engage citizens in water management and climate adaptation activities. Custom tools enable communities to track water quality, predict floods, and prepare for droughts. IWMI also enhances capacity at local, national, and regional levels.

IWMI’s science-based tools support diverse applications such as water accounting, irrigation management, and climate impact and adaptation assessments. These data-driven solutions include forecasts to anticipate future conditions, scenario analyses to explore potential outcomes, and impact assessments that evaluate policy effects on water, food, and land systems. This ensures that stakeholders have access to the right data for both immediate needs and long-term planning.

Artificial intelligence (AI) further amplifies the effectiveness of IWMI’s data tools, with machine learning models assisting in real-time monitoring and precise water resource mapping. By incorporating AI technologies within frameworks that prioritize gender equity and social inclusion, IWMI ensures that digital tools support equitable participation and inclusive water management for all communities.

Contact

Fulco Ludwig

Fulco Ludwig

Strategic Program Director – Water Data Science

Latest news

Tourism, tragedy and the climate warning we’re ignoring 

How government preparedness, water actions and public awareness can save lives and sustain tourism amid climate challenges in Pakistan …

Detailed climate projections bolster Sri Lanka’s adaptation planning

Dynamic downscaling reveals potential future climate change impacts across the country …

Co-design shapes water solutions in Uzbekistan

Water solutions must be built not just for people, but with them. When co-design is understood not just as a method but as a mindset it can help navigate the …

IWMI welcomes Henk Ovink as new Board Chair 

Doulaye Kone, Cristina Rumbaitis del Rio and Debra Tan will join the Board as IWMI takes forward its Strategy 2024-2030 for research and innovation …

Could an AI game accelerate decision-making on groundwater management? 

IWMI researchers created a groundwater game that uses Generative AI to allow players to understand the complexities of decision-making for groundwater management …

IWMI and Egypt’s Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation sign MoU to advance climate resilience in the water sector

The collaboration will strengthen cooperation under the Action on Water Adaptation and Resilience (AWARe) Initiative …

Projects

Latest publications

Displaying 4 publications
Assessing GHG emissions of a tropical large hydropower reservoir using G-res and GEE (11/05/2024)
Assessing GHG emissions of a tropical large hydropower reservoir using G-res and GEE
Journal of the Indian Society of Remote Sensing, 2025
More... [DOI]
Al Murunah Webinar on High-Resolution Climate Change Downscaling for Resilient Nature-Based Water Solutions in the MENA Region (04/10/2025)
Al Murunah Webinar on High-Resolution Climate Change Downscaling for Resilient Nature-Based Water Solutions in the MENA Region
2025
More... [DOI] | Fulltext (883 KB)
Advancing water security in Africa with new high-resolution discharge data (11/30/2024)
Advancing water security in Africa with new high-resolution discharge data
Scientific Data, 2024
More... [DOI] | Fulltext (10.8 MB)
Why indicators matter for advancing the global goal on adaptation: the case of water and sanitation targets in the UAE-Belm work programme (11/30/2024)
Why indicators matter for advancing the global goal on adaptation: the case of water and sanitation targets in the UAE-Belm work programme
2024
More... | Fulltext (1.08 MB)