Digital Twins

Digital Twins

Roof top panoramic city view at night time with overlaid circuitry and code.

Today, digital twins can leverage static and live data streams such as SCADA, IoT, and AMR/AMI data to more precisely describe system performance, enable insights, and drive actionable outcomes for users.  Digital twins can also be effectively used to leverage the power of artificial intelligence for improved decision making.

Operators are leveraging the benefits of a digital twin of their system. Models run in the control room can be used to test responses to emergencies such as fires, pipe breaks, and power outages. Before or during an emergency, operators can contact engineers and request that they model scenarios to help respond with current challenges.

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What is a Digital Twin for Water

AWWA and SWAN teamed up to develop a unified definition for digital twins that is:

"A digital, dynamic system of real-world entities and their behaviors using models with static and dynamic data that enable insights and interactions to drive actionable and optimized outcomes."

Applications of Digital Twins

The value of digital twins can be realized across the complete water cycle, and across the complete asset lifecycle.

From planning & modeling, to design, construction and operations applications of digital twins are being used. Examples include real-time operational optimization twins, construction progress twins, and asset health twins.

How Can I Learn More?

Many resources are available and range from written articles to webinars and conference proceedings. Many resources are available on this site, and there are ongoing opportunities to collaborate and learn from water professionals on digital twins.

Consider joining a committee or participating in an upcoming workshop to learn more!

Opflow | JAWWA | AWWA Water Science

To read the full text, click on the article links below, then login following the “Login with AWWA” button. You must be a current member to read the full text.

You may also search additional articles on this or other topics published in the JAWWA, Opflow and AWWA Water Science

AWWA Manuals

WEBINARS

Learn more about the current webinar schedule.

For more information on past webinars please contact Customer Service at service@awwa.org.

  • Digital Twins for Small Systems - Presented in 2023
  • Utility Perspectives on Digital Twins - Presented in 2022

WATER INFRASTRUCTURE CONFERENCE & EXPOSITION

Much of our water and wastewater infrastructure needs rehabilitation and replacement. Shifting population patterns and the need for vigilance against human-made and natural threats place increasing demands on utilities.

Join us as AWWA hosts the Water Infrastructure Conference & Exposition, an event focused on solutions to infrastructure challenges.  This conference addresses essential asset management planning and programs, the latest on lead service line issues, water loss, operation and maintenance best practices, and reinvestment strategies.  Critical infrastructure protection through emergency preparedness planning and enhanced physical and cyber security measures are also covered.

Technical Committee Engagement

AWWA members are recognized globally for their industry expertise and their generosity in sharing that expertise for a better world through better water. AWWA members participate in committee activities, developing conference programs, writing technical manuals, developing standards, creating educational content and contributing to AWWA publications. Committee members primarily interact through conference calls, emails, and face to face meetings at conferences and events. Access more information on volunteering for an AWWA committee.

The following committees are active in addressing Digital Twin issues:

 

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