Transforming Water Utility Network Operations Using Real-time Monitoring and Modelling

This paper is a result of many years of applied research, software development and now trials in the water industry. It describes how sensors and software are being combined to support water, wastewater and stormwater operations in real-time to improve levels of service, provide incident management, and inform the public.

Utilities have relied on complex hydraulic models to plan the development, maintenance and operations of their networks. Yet these models have been run offline, and usually not in direct support of everyday operations. And there has been a shortage of monitored data from the underground networks.

Now utilities want to automatically combine real-time data with their hydraulic models to produce near real-time information and forecasts on flows, pressures and water quality. And they want these forecasts to go straight into Operations so they can improve service levels, reduce the number and severity of incidents, and better inform the public. And some utilities are putting trials in place. These trials have raised issues with monitoring, with knowledge of pump and valve settings, and the readiness of models for operations.

This paper gives real-life examples of the use of hydraulic network models for incident management in the control room. It highlights the obstacles to be overcome. It describes what has been achieved using automated, real-time modelling to support operations. And it looks ahead to the next steps for operational network monitoring and modelling.