Authority_October_2020

October 2020 - The Authority 23 cost-effective solution to a problem that meets all necessary criteria and safety requirements, before putting a shovel in the ground. This becomes vital when a change in one part of the system affects operational criteria in other parts of the system. Over the years, the use of this feature has helped NPWA transition to a more proactive based planning model and helps the Authority determine out- comes to simulations that were once too complex to calculate by hand. NPWA also evaluates the water sys- tem as it relates to future growth and expansion, like housing developments, that result in increased water needs. The Model can identify existing conditions such as fire flow estimates, impacts in water quality and chlorine residual management in order to help evaluate any necessary operational changes prior to implementation. For new residential and commercial developments, the model helps deter- mine the ability to serve those future customers, determine any impact to existing customers, evaluate the best pipe size for fire flow, and identify any additional changes that will result from the project. Fire flow and proper pipe size are essential for public safe- ty. In 2019, The Model was updated by using NPWA’s SCADA data and by conducting a fire flow analysis throughout the system. By calibrating our model with real-world data, our simulations are more accurate. The simulations are comparable to those that meteorologists use to predict severe weather. Different models show various outcomes; the only differ- ence is that NPWA can decide which outcome is most desirable and plan accordingly. Although the Authority can’t predict the future, The Model helps NPWA make educated decisions to help Above: Demolition in progress of the Hillcrest Tank located in Lansdale, PA. Right: Rendering of what the new Hillcrest Tank will look like when it’s complete later this year. NPWA Field Service Representative installing a new meter in a meter pit outside of a customer’s home.