Real-Time Water Network Modeling in the Control Room: City of Boulder Case Study

The real-time information revolution and the availability of detailed all-pipe GIS-centric network models present new opportunities to improve water distribution system operations and management and address security challenges. This paper describes the development of a Smart Water Network (SWN) decision support tool that integrates GIS, SCADA, demand forecasting, operations optimization, predictive analytics, and real-time network modeling in the control room. SWN simulates flows, pressures, and water quality conditions in real time, providing an accurate representation of actual system performance. It enables operators to evaluate problem-solving approaches, control their systems during critical failures, detect network anomalies, establish a baseline to assess their systems' operational efficiency, produce optimized pumping schedules, conserve water, and reduce wear on the infrastructure. SWN moves a water utility's routine modeling applications from planning and design to emergency and maintenance response, leakage detection and main burst prediction, and optimized energy costs. It can also assist water utilities in the decision-making processes for network asset inventory, rehabilitation requirements, and financial planning. The range of applications of SWN is discussed, and a case study for the City of Boulder, Colorado is presented.