Unidirectional Flushing (UDF): It's Not Just about Cleaning the System Anymore: Benefits and Advantages that West Springfield, Massachusetts Achieved with Their Program

In 2008, The Town of West Springfield, MA began an Asset Management and Condition Assessment Program that was sparked by a desire to improve water quality via a Unidirectional Flushing program. As they researched the UDF program, they found that their system was not "UDF ready" and there was a lot of work that needed to be done on the front end that would maximize the efficiency of the Flushing Program. They also found that by investing a little more into this project they would be able to drastically improve their business systems, hydraulic model, and the ability to analyze the system as well as forecast and plan for their future. To accomplish the goals of this program, the Utility hired a respected consulting engineering firm, enlisted the services of a water asset condition assessment firm as well as an industry leader in UDF planning to help them with this project. All three firms worked closely together to ensure a resounding success for the Town of West Springfield. 1. Phase 1 - Asset Management and Condition Assessment - Before UDF sequences could be created, the Utility needed to make sure that all the necessary valves and hydrants were operable. If valves that needed to be shut for the purpose of the UDF were inoperable or if a hydrant needed for the flush was broken or if a valve that was in the pathway of a sequence was partially or fully closed, then the efficiency of the UDF would be challenged. The UDF sequences were planned using GIS-based InfoWater UDF hydraulic modeling software. 2. Phase 2 - Repair and Rehabilitation of Assets - Work orders were created to assist the Town with a better understanding of which assets in the system needed additional work either via repairs or replacments. These orders allowed the Town to perform repairs and replacements in the most economical fashion. These repairs gave way for the Town to maximize the use of the entire system for the UDF. 3. Phase 3 - Upon completion of the repairs, it is safe to say that the West Springfield system is as close to 100% operable as a utility can get. From here, their goals of flushing the system, using a process called "Unidirectional Flushing", could be accomplished. The original plans called for just that, execution of the UDF sequences. The Town soon realized hat for a minor additional investment, so much more could be learned about the system and what future actions to take. Phase 3 includes some additional testing (M17 Fire Flow Test, C-Factor Testing, and water quality testing) that will be done before and after the UDF executions. These tests, alongside the results of the UDF, will allow the Town to visually see where the greater issues in the system are and will help them begin planning the corrective measures. In review, the Town of West Springfield was simply looking to engage in a Unidirectional Flushing program that would help improve water quality. What they got was a comprehensive overhaul on an aging system that will allow them to make sound business investments in their system in the years to come and reallocate and spend money in all the right places.