NETWORK MODELING - ADVANCES AT A MAJOR BRITISH UTILITY

For 14 years, Severn Trent Water has been committed to network analysi s to improve understanding of the operation of its assets, which inclu de 23,000 mi of distribution main. The traditional benefits of hydraul ic analysis have been achieved over the years, including investment pl anning, system design, emergency planning, source optimization, and op erational strategy development. Recently, the utility implemented a mo re widespread use of this technology to realize significant additional benefits, including reduced source output; demand management, and pre ssure control; improved customer service for pressure and quality; red uced service interruptions through improved local planning; and reduce d response time for information at local centers. This article reviews organizational changes, software and hardware changes, and ingredient s necessary to ''make it work.'' It also summarizes achievements of th e last three years.