A significant percentage of energy input to a water distribution system is lost through three key areas: pipe friction (plus minor losses at bends and fittings); control valves (e.g., pressure reducing and sustaining valves, flow control valves); and at the customer tap in maintaining a minimum level of pressure. (Tap losses are calculated at the network nodes and include domestic and non-domestic consumption and leakage losses.)

MWH Soft water network Sustainability analysis extension makes sustainable network design easily accessible and reliable, helping users determine the carbon footprint for pumps and the cumulative total energy lost across all elements in the network from source to consumer tap. A comprehensive visualisation tool color-codes these elements based on their total environmental impact, providing a clear and instant overview of the problems and priorities. Users can also easily compare multiple network reconfiguration alternatives, rank networks from least to most efficient, pinpoint areas with the greatest potential for improvement, and instantly identify potential for pumped/pressure-reducing valve (PRV) optimization and future energy recovery.

“This groundbreaking extension will help our user community make an important contribution to the world by consistently developing sound energy optimization and rehabilitation programs,” said Andrew Brown, EMEA Regional Manager for MWH Soft. “We listened to the engineering community’s concerns about designing more sustainable, environmentally friendly systems. We’re confident we have delivered a powerful solution that will help users find the best designs in the shortest time — and gain a competitive edge in their global marketplace.”

The new water Sustainability extension for InfoWorks WS, and H2ONET, H2OMAP Water and InfoWater Executive Suites is now available by subscription worldwide. Subscription members can immediately download it free of charge.