Case Studies & News

Delivering Excellence for Uisce Eireann (Irish Water)

January 2, 2024July 16, 2024R Barnes

Following a successful framework bid in 2022, HydroCo & Shareridge formed a partnership to build hydraulic models on behalf of Uisce Eireann (Irish Water).

We are thrilled to announce that HydroCo and Shareridge have successfully delivered our first two hydraulic model build projects to Uisce Eireann. The feedback from the modelling team and local authority has been overwhelmingly positive, highlighting both models’ conformity, accuracy and ability to identify hydraulic anomalies.

The Ennis and Limerick Environs (Ardnacrusha) models should provide valuable insight into the operation of these systems, offering a holistic approach to system management, encompassing design, planning, performance evaluation, risk management, resource conservation, cost savings, and decision support.

A pivotal goal in constructing these models was to empower Uisce Eireann with the capability to evaluate pressure management schemes. This strategic optimisation of network configurations aims to achieve substantial leakage reduction, thereby enhancing water loss management and promoting resource conservation.

Our gratitude goes out to all stakeholders, particularly the dedicated operational personnel within Clare County Council, for their unwavering support throughout these challenging projects.

The synergy between HydroCo and Shareridge has been instrumental in the success of these projects. By combining HydroCo’s technical hydraulic modelling expertise with Shareridge’s proficiency in project management and field survey capabilities, we have not only delivered exceptional results but also bridged cultural divides.

Looking ahead, HydroCo and Shareridge are excited to continue our collaboration on six more hydraulic network model build projects across the South of Ireland. The models cover the city of Limerick, Waterford, Gory and South Regional areas in county Wexford and New and Old Doolough systems in West Clare.

Together, we remain committed to providing Uisce Eireann with high-quality, cost-effective modelling tools for sustainable water management.

If you would like to learn more about how HydroCo can support you with your hydraulic model builds, please contact us at innovation@hydroco.co.uk or call 023 92 450 007.

Supply Route Analysis

July 20, 2022July 16, 2024richardsonliz

HydroCo was asked to identify and report on the percentage of water from the various sources in a large complex water supply and distribution system. The results were required at every DMA meter along with an overview of the typical routes water would take to reach that meter (e.g. Source via specific Trunk Main / Asset to Meter).

This would help the client in understanding the risk associated with the potential failure of individual / multiple water sources and / or Trunk Mains or Assets.

Ruby Scripting

InfoWorks WS PRO

Bespoke SQL Tools

Water Quality Modelling

The InfoWorks WS Pro software package was used for the analysis. A Water Quality model run of 45 days was found to be required to allow the model to trace the water from each source node through the entire model (trace water to fully saturate the model). The model was setup dynamically so that a model run of such a length could be performed without problems (over/under filling of reservoirs etc.).

Each of the sources was set up as a “Trace” node in the model run settings.

A collaborative effort between HydroCo’s Principal Engineers and Hydraulic Modellers saw the creation of various SQLs and Ruby Scripts that would easily pull the relevant source percentage information from all specified model locations on mass, in a useable format.

Source-works Composition

Associate assets with key sources

Supporting PR24 Submission

District Meter Supply

The potential routes of water were then assessed, which was predominantly a manual process using the Infoworks upstream trace functions, though some time saving processes were developed to easily identify which trunk mains or assets were along the route.

This data was then cleansed and structured into a report that was clear and easy for the client to interpret.

If you would like to learn more about how HydroCo can support you with Supply Route Analysis, please contact us at innovation@hydroco.co.uk or call 023 92 450 007.

Supply Interruptions Reporting

January 30, 2020January 30, 2020R Barnes

As the current Asset Management Plan period (AMP6) draws to a close, water companies are already looking ahead to the next AMP period. The regulator (Ofwat) has proposed a raft of improved levels of service measures, which are targeted to achieve their vision of “customers and wider society having trust and confidence in vital public water and wastewater services”.

Measuring the number minutes a customer’s supply is interrupted will form a key performance measure for Ofwat during AMP7. Reducing both planned and non-planned supply interruption times should build greater trust and confidence with customers.

HydroCo have developed a number of tools to support water companies in the pursuit of reducing supply interruption minutes, as well as measuring & reporting of supply interruptions with greater accurately. Ranging from the selection of pressure logging locations for early alarm systems and post event reporting, through to modelling tools assessing effects of drain-down and recharge on customer counts.