Engineering Modeling Applications

Engineering Modeling

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Models of water distribution systems have a long history—likely longer than most realize. However, in recent decades, the functional capabilities, user interfaces, and processing algorithms have markedly improved. While many professionals in the water sector may have reviewed or even developed a model in the past, today's practice of modeling has evolved significantly, and with the proliferation of advanced technology throughout the water sector, tomorrow's engineers and operators will commonly use even more advanced models of our vital water infrastructure.

Hydraulic Modeling

Hydraulic models are typically developed to show a static snapshot of a utility's geographic information system (GIS), for master planning purposes or to run intermittent “what if” scenarios.

Distribution system models are being used more routinely to evaluate issues having to do with operations, energy, vulnerability, and water quality, in addition to their traditional uses. As these models increase in complexity and level of detail, the development of a new model becomes even more costly.

Introduction to EPANET and Example Applications (online Learning Course, EL303)
Committee Report: Using Transient Hydraulic Models to Design Surge Control Devices (JAWWA, April 2022)
M32 Computer Modeling Water Distribution Systems

Optimizing Water Quality & Treatment

Water quality modeling is a powerful tool for analyzing the fate and effect of contaminant transport in drinking water plant and distribution systems.

CFD Modeling Optimizes Water Treatment Plant Performance (JournalAWWA, July 2019)
Predicting manganese and iron precipitation in drinking water biofilters (AWWA Water Science, January 2021)
Avoiding pitfalls when modeling the removal of per - and polyfluoroalkyl substances by ion exchange (AWWA Water Science, April 2021)

Digital Twins

Today, digital twins can leverage SCADA data and AMR/AMI data to more precisely describe system performance.

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.

Digital Twins: Case Studies in Water Distribution Management (JAWWA, October 2022)
Demystifying Digital Twins: Definition, Applications, and Benefits (JAWWA, May 2022)
Let's Discuss Digital Twins (JAWWA, September 2021)

Technical Resources
Events & Education
Get Involved
Related Resources

AWWA Engineering Modeling Applications Literature Review Database

Water Distribution System Modeling Literature Review Database

Committee Reports

Committee Report: Using Transient Hydraulic Models to Design Surge Control Devices (JournalAWWA, April 2022)

Committee Report: Getting Started in Transient Analysis, Transient Analysis Subcommittee of the Engineering Modeling Applications Committee (JournalAWWA, April 2019)

Committee Report: Trends in Water Distribution System Modeling (JournalAWWA, October 2014 )

Technical Books

Modeling Water Quality In Distribution Systems

Hydraulic Modeling and GIS

AWWA Manuals

M32 Computer Modeling of Water Distribution Systems

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.

Water Quality Modeling in Distribution Systems (JAWWA, March 2022)

New developments in premise plumbing: Integrative hydraulic hydraulic and water quality modeling (AWS, March 2022)

Operator Involvement Leads to Hydraulic Modeling Success (JAWWA, September 2021)

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

Water Infrastructure Conference and 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.

Educational Resources

Introduction to EPANET and Example Applications (EL303)

Course Length: 3 hours / 0.3CEUs

Course Description: EPANET is a software application used throughout the world to model water distribution systems. This course, adapted from EPA training, provides a comprehensive overview of the use of the application, it’s tools, features and benefits. Learn More

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 engineering modeling application issues:

Engineering Modeling Applications
Digital Twins
Water Utility Technology & Automation