China is preparing a large-scale upgrade of its water management system, aiming to develop what officials describe as “new-quality productive forces” across the entire water sector. The focus is on the wide application of advanced technologies and equipment to raise the level of reservoir operation and safety management. The plans were announced by China’s Ministry of Water Resources, DKNews.kz reports.
In practice, this marks a shift toward a new technological model of water governance - one built on data, automation and continuous monitoring rather than manual control.
Water infrastructure under digital supervision
According to Zhang Wenzhi, head of the Ministry’s Department of Reservoir Operation and Management, China will establish an all-weather intelligent monitoring system covering space, air, land, water bodies and engineering structures.
The system will integrate remote-sensing satellites, ground-penetrating radar, unmanned aerial vehicles, unmanned vessels and underwater robots. Together, these tools are expected to significantly improve the early detection of hidden risks and enable intelligent inspections of dams and reservoirs.
In essence, water infrastructure will be placed under constant digital observation, allowing authorities to identify potential problems before they escalate into serious threats.
Tested during real flood conditions
These technologies are not just theoretical. Zhang cited a real-world example from the autumn floods of 2025 on the Hanjiang River. During that period, the engineering safety of the Danjiangkou Reservoir in Hubei Province was monitored in real time using a global navigation satellite system and measurement robots.
This technical support made it possible to regulate reservoir operations with a high degree of accuracy and scientific precision, reducing risks during peak flood conditions and improving overall safety downstream.
The case illustrates China’s broader shift from reactive water management to a predictive, data-driven approach.
Safe, green and intelligent dams
Deputy Minister of Water Resources Wang Bao’en noted that the ministry is now prioritizing the development of dams that are safe, environmentally friendly and “smart”.
China plans to accelerate research, development and deployment of new technologies and equipment. At the same time, a group of representative dams with strong baseline conditions will be selected to launch pilot projects focused on these three priorities. The goal is to significantly upgrade the overall level of modern reservoir management nationwide.
Why it matters
For China, water is a strategic resource. The country faces simultaneous challenges from floods, droughts, climate change and growing economic demand. In this context, technological control over water resources is no longer just a matter of efficiency - it has become an element of national security.
The move toward smart reservoirs highlights how China is designing a long-term infrastructure management model: less reliance on manual oversight, more dependence on data, algorithms and automated decision-making.
This approach offers a glimpse of what the future of water management may look like - highly technological, predictive and designed to minimize risk in an increasingly uncertain climate environment.
