New Version 6.0 of InfoWater UDF Adds New Features to Help Save Utilities Time and Money

November 20, 2009 --  MWH Soft, a leading global innovator of wet infrastructure modeling and simulation software and technologies, today announced the release of version 6.0 of its industry-leading InfoWater UDF software. The new release, which utilizes both the MWH Soft InfoWater and ESRI (Redlands, CA) ArcGIS technology, provides substantial updates based directly on client feedback and real-world implementation of unidirectional flushing programs. It also further substantiates MWH Soft’s continued commitment to providing water utilities with the most complete set of hydraulic modeling and management tools possible.

Unidirectional flushing (UDF) is the most effective way of cleaning water mains and maintaining water quality and system capacity. It also requires the least amount of water of any cleaning method. In this approach, valves are closed and hydrants opened to create a one-way flow. This high-speed flushing increases the swiftness of the water flow in the mains, maximizing shear velocity near the pipe wall. This produces a scouring action that effectively removes sediment deposits and biofilm.

UDF can help 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 distribution system. These benefits can also prolong the life expectancy of the system and reduce the potential for waterborne disease outbreaks.

Unique in its class, MWH Soft InfoWater UDF capitalizes on the intelligence and versatility of the GIS geodatabase architecture in combination with advanced network hydraulic theory. Its advanced capabilities can help water utilities develop effective unidirectional flushing sequences for each flushing zone, quickly identifying which fire hydrants and water main valves should be manipulated for proper cleaning while avoiding excessive pressure drops and maintaining the desired level of hydraulic performance in the system.

The program also computes minimum flushing time, total flushing volume and pipe length, flushing velocity and shear stress for every pipe in the sequence, and available flow at the minimum residual pressure. The hydraulic impact of each flushing sequence is monitored to ensure that the desired minimum pressure is maintained throughout the system. InfoWater UDF also generates detailed reports of flushing sequences showing which fire hydrants and water main valves should be manipulated to assure optimal cleaning. Both minimum velocity and minimum shear stress criteria can be specified.

Major enhancements in InfoWater UDF v6.0 include:

• Powerful Sequence Organization - automatically validate and dynamically insert or delete any flushing sequence within a flushing zone.
• Stunning Sequence Map Creation - change symbology and zoom levels for sequences, hydrants, valve operations and pipes to create detailed maps and a complete field journal to record all flushing activities.
• Enhanced Project Portability - updated linking methodology allows the transfer of project files more freely from consultant to utility and vice versa.
• Optimized Spatial Joins - stronger automated association of hydrants to the entire pipe network or domain.

“The new version of InfoWater UDF is focused on dramatically reducing the design time needed to create a unidirectional flushing program,” said MWH Soft Vice President—Director of Americas Operations, J. Erick Heath, P.E. “The updates also give the utility unprecedented flexibility to make modifications to their sequences on the fly as field data changes. These enhancements help put the design of a unidirectional flushing program within reach for virtually any water utility.”

Pricing and availability:
Upgrades to InfoWater UDF v6.0 are now available worldwide by subscription. Subscription members can immediately download the new version 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. 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 global leader in wet infrastructure engineering modeling, simulation and management software and professional solutions designed to meet the technological needs of water, wastewater, and stormwater utilities, government agencies, engineering organizations and academic institutions worldwide. With offices in North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific, MWH Soft product lines empower thousands of engineers to competitively plan, manage, design, protect, maintain and operate highly efficient and reliable infrastructure systems. For more information call MWH Soft at +1 626-568-6868, or visit www.mwhsoft.com.