hydrology

BWI took part in the Carrefour des Gestions Locales de l’Eau (CGLE) 2026 in Rennes, engaging with public and private stakeholders on hydrological forecasting, flood and drought anticipation, and territorial resilience.
A recap of two days of exchanges at the heart of water management challenges.

At Aqua Business Days 2025 in Nîmes, BWI took part in two days of exchanges on the water–energy nexus. During a dedicated micro-pitch session, our CEO Jeremy Fain highlighted how hydrological forecasting and virtual stations support run-of-river hydropower in a context of climate change.

Virtual stations are redefining how hydrometric networks are designed, operated, and extended across river basins. By fusing satellite altimetry, remote sensing, semi-distributed models, and machine learning, virtual stations provide continuous water level and discharge information at locations where no physical gauges exist. This hybrid cyber-physical approach strengthens monitoring resilience, improves model calibration, and reduces uncertainty in flood and low-flow forecasting, especially in data-scarce and hard-to-access regions.

On 17 November, BWI hosted a special edition of the Apéro de l’Hydro at the B612 in Toulouse, on the occasion of a visit from a delegation of SAED Senegal.

Fish farming faces critical hydrological challenges including fluctuating water quality, unpredictable water supply, and flood risks—threats that impact fish health and production yields. AI-driven river flow forecasts offer game-changing solutions by empowering farmers with timely insights to manage water resources, mitigate flood damage, and optimize aquaculture operations, paving the way for a more resilient and productive fish farming industry.

The Volta River Basin, spanning six West African countries, is an intricate water system vital for millions of people. This blog post delves into the basin’s hydrological characteristics, its pressing challenges including extreme drought and flood hotspots, and the profound effects of large dams like Akosombo and Bagre on river flow. Highlighting inspiring examples of community-driven water management initiatives, the post showcases how local and transboundary governance efforts are helping to navigate environmental uncertainties and build climate resilience. Read on to understand how sustainable approaches are shaping the future of water resources and livelihoods in the Volta Basin.

Continental hydrology plays a crucial role in coastal and marine economies by delivering freshwater, nutrients, and sediments from rivers and inland sources to coastal waters. This input sustains marine ecosystems, supports fisheries and aquaculture industries, enhances tourism, and helps protect coastlines from erosion and flooding, reinforcing the socio-economic vitality of coastal regions.

Understanding the branching hierarchy and flow dynamics of rivers is essential for effective water resource management. This post unpacks the Strahler and Shreve stream orders, compares their uses, and highlights how these systems inform hydrological modeling and practical applications for agencies, hydropower, insurers, and irrigation stakeholders worldwide.

Mountains are much more than majestic landscapes—they are essential lifelines for billions of people worldwide. Often called the “water towers of the world,” mountains store freshwater in their glaciers and snowpacks, releasing it gradually to nurture rivers and supply drinking water, agriculture, and hydropower. From the towering Himalayas that feed the Indus and Ganges to the Alpine peaks powering European hydropower, these high places shape our water security in countless ways. Yet, this natural bounty is under threat. Climate change is accelerating glacier melt and altering rainfall patterns, putting millions at risk of water shortages. The challenge now is to protect these vital mountain waters through cooperation, innovation, and sustainable management for the future.

In the latest episode of the podcast series The Climate Pioneers Show, our CEO Jérémy Fain sat down with host Cherry Swayne to share how BWI is contributing to climate resilience through water intelligence.