Water Loss Audit Follow-up – Part 3 Hydraulic Modeling

Parts 1 and 2 of our discussion of Water Loss Audits discussed steps your utility could take to both directly decrease lost water and improve system functionality. Part 3 can be viewed as an extension to the mapping component: hydraulic modeling.

Hydraulic models can be used to predict utility needs based on growth, development, capital improvements, etc. Models for a drinking water system can be used to predict pressures, residuals, flow directions, and the potential impacts on these parameters during various situations such as main breaks, pumps or towers being taken out of service, firefighting efforts, and more. Models can simulate the effects of adding new looping or upsizing lines, and they can be used to determine the impacts of proposed changes to the system before a utility constructs the changes.

Hydraulic models can be extremely useful planning tools and can provide a peek “inside” your distribution system which can lead to more informed decisions for tackling issues related to water loss.

Commonwealth Engineers would be happy to discuss the options for creating a hydraulic model for your system and what benefits it may provide. Contact Us for more information!