MWH Soft Enhances Its Industry-Leading Unidirectional Flushing Software with

MWH Soft, a leading global provider of environmental and water resources applications software, is expanding its commitment to the water utility industry by including vanguard shear stress modeling within InfoWater UDF, its industry premier unidirectional flushing solution for drinking water distribution systems. Since the same flow velocity in different diameter pipes produces different shear stress values, the new capability enables water utilities to accurately base their flushing programs on achieving both minimum shear stress and velocity thresholds for all flushed pipes. This allows them to better manage the systematic flushing of their systems to remove stagnant water as well as mineral and sediment deposits that accumulate over time — restoring hydraulic capacity and improving water quality.

Unidirectional flushing, with hydrants opened and valves closed, is the simplest, most effective non-structural cleaning method for water pipes. This type of high-speed flushing increases the hydraulic force of the water flow, maximizing the shear velocity near the pipe wall and producing a scouring action in the mains that effectively removes sediment deposits and biofilm.

Built atop ArcGIS (ESRI, Redlands, California), MWH Soft’s InfoWater UDF seamlessly integrates advanced dynamic water network modeling with the latest generation of engineering GIS technology. The groundbreaking application capitalizes on the intelligence and versatility of the GIS geodatabase architecture to help water utilities develop effective flushing sequences for each flushing zone by quickly identifying which fire hydrants and water main valves should be manipulated to achieve proper cleaning while avoiding excessive pressure drops (e.g., below 20 psi), and maintaining the desired level of hydraulic performance in the distribution system.

The program accurately considers the temporal variation in flow velocity magnitude and direction due to changes in demands, tank levels and operating conditions. It also computes the minimum flushing time, the total flushing volume and pipe length, the flushing velocity of every pipe in the sequence, the shear stress for every pipe in the sequence, and the available fire flow at the minimum residual pressure. The hydraulic impact of each flushing sequence is also monitored to ensure that the desired minimum pressure is maintained throughout the system.

The program’s accompanying comprehensive field journal (flush book) provides all the information a water utility needs to effectively implement an optimal unidirectional flushing program for maximum cleaning at maximum cost savings. A complete, detailed series of graphical maps and technical data sheets graphically show which fire hydrants and valves must be manipulated for systematic, unidirectional cleaning of each flushing zone and flush sequence analyzed. The journal also reports important information such as pressure and flow, flushing volume, flushing duration, and water quality.

Among its numerous advantages, InfoWater UDF can help water utilities improve water quality by restoring the disinfectant residual, reducing bacterial regrowth, dislodging biofilms, removing sediments and deposits, controlling corrosion, restoring flows and pressures, eliminating taste and odor problems, and reducing disinfectant demand throughout the system. These benefits prolong the life expectancy of the distribution system and reduce the potential for waterborne disease outbreaks.

According to Paul F. Boulos, PhD, President and COO of MWH Soft, “This key technology upgrade reflects our ongoing determination to provide our customers with enhanced, high-value software that helps them strengthen, maintain, protect and optimize their hydraulic infrastructures and meet regulatory requirements at significant cost savings. We created InfoWater UDF to make unidirectional flushing the simplest, most powerful tool with the highest pound-for-pound return — surpassing all competitive offerings by far. This is the ultimate approach to developing the optimal flushing program for sustaining safer, more reliable drinking water supply infrastructures. We are proud to continue refining this vital best-in-class product, knowing that it will make an immediate difference in people’s lives, our communities, and our society.”

Pricing and Availability
The new upgrade for InfoWater UDF is now available worldwide by subscription to the Gold or Platinum programs. Subscription members can immediately download the new upgrade free of charge directly from www.mwhsoft.com. The MWH Soft Subscription Program is a friendly customer support and software maintenance program that ensures the longevity and usefulness of MWH Soft products. It gives subscribers instant access to new functionality as it is developed, along with automatic software updates and upgrades. MWH Soft product extensions are available only through the Platinum Program. For the latest information on the MWH Soft Subscription Program, visit www.mwhsoft.com or contact your local MWH Soft Certified Representative.

About MWH Soft
MWH Soft is a leading global provider of technical and infrastructure software and professional solutions designed to meet the technological needs of utilities, government industries, and engineering organizations worldwide. Its clients include the majority of the largest North American cities and ENR top design firms. The multifaceted, state-of-the-art CAD, GIS and Internet enabled products created by MWH Soft empower thousands of engineers across the globe to competitively plan, manage, design, protect, maintain and operate highly efficient and reliable infrastructure systems. For more information, call MWH Soft at (626) 568-6868, or visit www.mwhsoft.com.

MWH Soft Contact
J. Erick Heath, P.E.
Vice President of Sales and Client Relations
Erick.Heath@mwhsoft.com
(626) 568-6868