How the digital revolution is reshaping water management and policy: A focus on Spain

The water sector is experiencing a transformative shift through digitalisation, integrating advanced technologies like IoT devices, AI, and digital twins into water management and policy practices. These advanced technologies address critical challenges such as water scarcity and hydro-climatic extreme events by improving monitoring, management, and decision-making transparency. This paper examines the impacts of digitalisation on water management and policy by analysing the Spanish case study. Findings reveal practical benefits and identify significant challenges to its adoption in the water cycle at different managerial scales. To address these challenges, we propose recommendations emphasising equitable access, capacity-building, and supportive regulatory frameworks. • Digitalisation of the water sector is reshaping managerial and policy practices. • Specific benefits and challenges of digitalisation in the water cycle at different managerial scales are highlighted. • The Spanish case study offers valuable insights on the impacts of digital tools at different managerial scales. • Areas of improvement in the adoption of digital solutions by the water sector are identified.