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.

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Latest news

IWMI and DE Africa help Limpopo water managers monitor dam levels with AI and satellite data

Across Africa, farmers rely on water from dams to irrigate their crops through periods of drought. But how much water is stored in the dam? Farmers and water managers often …

AI and satellite imagery better estimate water levels in dams  

IWMI and Digital Earth Africa are supporting water managers from Limpopo River Basin by improving access to better data and better water level estimates …

Drought Action Catalyst to co-develop localized drought management approaches

The Drought Action Catalyst is a one-stop shop where decision-makers and experts working on building drought resilience in their countries and regions can meet and co-develop localized drought management approaches …

A global debate on the hydrological cycle as a global common good

At World Water Week 2025, participants will explore the impact of the Global Commission on the Economics of Water report since its publication and the way forward …

IWMI introduces cutting-edge AI citizen-science tools to the Limpopo River Basin  

Water managers in southern Africa get hands on with the AI-powered Digital Twin …

Water managers get hands on with the AI-powered Digital Twin for the Limpopo river basin

Water managers from Southern Africa share their impressions of the Digital Twin developed by IWMI along with the Limpopo Watercourse Commission (LIMCOM) and partners. They also reflect on the Limpopo …

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
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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
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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
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