Global Water Watch

Global Water Watch, supported by Google.org and the Water, Peace, and Security Partnership, will provide free, globally accessible, near-real-time and high-resolution spatiotemporal information on the amount of water stored in reservoirs and the water level and flow in major river systems. World Resources Institute, Deltares and World Wildlife Fund are partnering to create this data platform, which will house information on thousands of global reservoirs and major river systems. The platform uses Earth Observation (EO) algorithms, satellite data, artificial intelligence, cloud computing and machine learning to map dams and produce high-resolution spatiotemporal and granular (10m) information on the amount of water stored in reservoirs as well as water level and flow information in major river systems in near-real-time. This data will help decision-makers respond quickly to extreme weather events, manage growing risks of climate change, make societies more climate resilient and preserve and restore our vital ecosystems and the many services they provide. National and subnational governments can use the data to manage water resources more sustainably, efficiently and equitably. Making this information publicly accessible will hold governments accountable for proper water stewardship and uncover water resource conditions in upstream states and nations, who may be reluctant to share data with downstream neighbors.