Real-time modelling of a major water supply system

Numerical modelling of water supply and distribution systems has become a standard and essential practice in any serious attempt to evaluate hydraulic, water quality and economic aspects of these complex systems. Well-suited models, including advanced technologies such as geographical information system and telemetry systems, accurate fire flow calculations, water quality analysis and leakage reduction have become indispensable tools for water network managers. Application of these advanced techniques in hydraulic and water quality modelling and optimum operation is considered to be a part of master planning for the south-west Moravian water supply system in the Czech Republic. The regional water supply system of south-west Moravia supplies water to two counties (Zdar and Trebic). Two regional control centres manage the whole water supply system. A hydraulic and water quality on-line computational module is installed on the central control system server. The mathematical model of the water supply system was calibrated and verified for both steady state and extended period simulations. Numerous hydraulic and water quality model scenarios were conducted for both existing and future operations of the system under normal and emergency conditions. Water quality analyses consisted of residual chlorine concentration simulation including detailed water age and source tracing simulations. The main objective in developing the on-line model was to decrease the operational cost of the system by optimising the operation of pumping stations by improving the rules used to control the inflow into the storage tanks, and by decreasing the time necessary to model required alternatives. The experience from developing the hydraulic and water quality models and optimum scheduling of pumps and valves for the master plan of south-west Moravia as well as the state of the art of the available solutions are discussed in this paper.