In order to solve the problem that the small number of serial-ports of single-chip can not meet multiple serial communication simultaneously in system design, by comparative analysis of the existing serial-port expansion technology and to meet the needs of hydrology monitoring system, the design scheme of serial-port expansion based on chip XR16L784 is put forward. The specific implementation method of hardware design and software programming of serial-port expansion chip XR16L784 is introduced, and it is verified in hydrology monitoring system experimentally. The result shows that multiple serial-ports expansion can be implemented by chip XR16L784 effectively, data can be transmitted and received stably and reliably at different baud rates in expanded serial-port channel. The issue of confined serial-port number within micro control unit is solved by the scheme of serial-port expansion in the multi-channel serial communication system, reflecting great practical value in the hydrology monitoring system.