Interactive Computer Modeling, Monitoring, and Control of Melbourne's Water Supply System

Abstract

The Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works in Melbourne, Australia operates two principle models of its water supply system. The first of these is a headworks model that simulates the major reservoirs and transfer mains of Melbourne's water supply system. This model uses monthly data for both the long‐term planning of the water supply system and in assisting in operational decisions regarding transfers of water between headworks storages. The second model is a network model that solves for heads and flows within Melbourne's water supply distribution system. The model can be run over a 24‐hour period and is used for investigating ways of improving the distribution of water within the system and for assisting and training operational staff. This paper describes the application of this network model to Melbourne's water supply system, including the implementation of computer graphics techniques. Examples demonstrating the application of color graphics to different parts of the system are given together with a discussion of the present integrated modeling, operation, and telemetry capability. The models will be continually modified and improved as both new systems are added to Melbourne's water supply system and greater knowledge of the existing system is ained. The implementation and use of the 24‐hour network simulation program by the Board has already resulted in a current savings in excess of $30 million. This is more than six times the total cost of the modeling and telemetry system. Future benefits are expected to add to this savings.