The temporally and spatially uneven distribution of water resources is rather common all over the world. Hydraulic engineering is one of the most important infrastructures to address such problems since it can deal with flood defense, water supply, irrigation, and hydropower etc.

There are a large number of reservoirs all over the world, and China alone has over 98,000 of them. The existence of these reservoirs has greatly changed the natural runoff processes, leading to a lot of difficulties in optimal reservoir operation. In addition, inter-basin water diversion project, although ecologically controversial, is an important measure to alleviate the water crisis. Up to now, more than 350 water diversion projects have been built in at least 40 countries and regions around the world. Many hydro-solar-wind multi-energy systems along the reservoirs and inter-basin water diversion systems are planned and constructed.

It is now clear that, compared with the earlier generation of water projects, new and/or additional sources of water are becoming scarce, more expensive to develop, require more expertise and technological know-how for planning, design, implementation and operation, and often could result in more social and environmental disruptions. Not surprisingly, there is an increasing realization that scientific understanding of water systems operations is essential and necessary for efficiently and effectively manage the existing water projects, which help for future human welfare.

The goal of this symposium is to bring together researchers of academia and practitioners to share latest scientific advancements, emerging technologies, and directions in issues relevant to water system operations. This conference will provide opportunities to present novel research results and networking for future activities.

This event coincides with many other events in celebration of the 60th anniversary of the host institute, China Institute of Water Resources and Hydropower Research (IWHR). In this respect, we are liaising with many other international association such as ICOLD, ICID-CIID, others. Participants of this symposium will enjoy discounted or free access to the 60th anniversary technical events.