HYDRA - an open software platform for water resource management

Current water resource decision support systems are either closed or custom systems: a barrier to water management and planning studies. The HYDRA software platform will address this barrier and transform the sector by creating an open and flexible software system where data management, display, user interaction, and solution engines will be standardised and shared for advanced water resource planning. It will: 1) enable rapid development and customisation of complex models that help better manage water resources, 2) enable ground-breaking applied research advances to be swiftly integrated and adopted, and 3) link science with policy making to develop appropriate solutions to water, environment and development challenges. HYDRA will enable vast gains in water security to be achieved by integrating management and strategic planning that encompasses hydrological, engineering, socio-economic and political challenges on a local to transnational scale.