Author(s): Wing Ken Yau; Tien Ser Tan
Linked Author(s): Wing Ken Yau
Keywords: Hydroinformatics sensors smart database management rainfall forecasting rainfall nowcasting decision support data analytics flood response reservoir operations
Abstract: Technological advancements in wireless communication and reduction in sensor costs have revolutionised hydroinformatics, enabling real-time data collection and analysis to aid decision-making processes and address complex water-related challenges such as water resource management and flood response. Today, many countries around the world employ sophisticated systems for urban water management, flood forecasting and water quality monitoring, while international collaborations utilise hydroinformatics for climate change adaptation strategies, employing data analytics and modelling to project long-term hydrological changes. Various hydroinformatics technologies have been similarly employed by PUB, Singapore’s national water agency, for the purpose of supporting strategic drainage planning, drainage maintenance, flood response and reservoir operations. These include an extensive network of hydrometric and hydrometeorological sensors as well as a X-band radar rainfall monitoring and forecasting system that provides rainfall forecasts up to 90 minutes lead time. With more data collected at fine intervals from an increased number of sensors, these present challenges on real-time data processing for supporting flood and reservoir operations as well as data management and storage. These have been addressed with the implementation of the Catchment & Waterways Operations System (CWOS) and the Smart Drainage Grid (SDG) system. Beyond data management however, SDG also includes data analytics functionalities to generate insights on drainage performance and detection of anomalous drainage behaviour for strategic drainage planning and maintenance. This paper presents a summary of PUB’s journey in adopting various hydroinformatics technologies for strategic drainage planning, maintenance, flood response and reservoir operations.
Year: 2025