W-NET4.0 – Integrated Platform for Small and Medium Sized Water Supply Utilities

Abstract

More than 5,800 companies ensure the supply of drinking water in Germany. The vast majority of these are small and medium-sized water supply companies. So far, they are using information and automation technology to a very limited extent, measurement data is usually not collected systematically. In addition, the companies often have neither a sufficiently well-maintained database of the water network nor geoinformation systems (GIS), simulation software or data analysis tools that can be used to plan and optimise interventions in the drinking water system (e.g. expansion of the network). Large water suppliers are often better equipped technically, but the data is often not used in an efficient manner.The objective of the W-Net 4.0 research project (www.wnet40.de) was to develop a modular and scalable platform that combines GIS, simulation software and data analysis tools and meets high IT security standards. Combined with novel service concepts, value-added networks and training concepts, also small and medium-sized water utilities will be enabled to use these technologies. The high degree of usability and accessibility of the platform supports the daily work of planning engineers, and network operators. The paper includes a detailed description of the platform and use cases. It also emphasizes the training program tailored for small and medium sized utilities.