Introduction
Heads up! This is an initial draft created with a bit of AI/LLM assistance — I'll be rewriting these sections soon. Check the changelog for updates on what's done.
Welcome to Mastering Water Models! Whether you're new to hydraulic modeling or an experienced engineer looking to refine your skills, this course is designed with you in mind. Mastering Water Models fills a crucial gap in hydraulic modeling education by offering a practical, interactive approach that complements the highly theoretical resources typically available.
Why you need this course​
Hydraulic modeling is an essential skill for water engineers, but mastering it isn't easy. Traditionally, the best way to learn has been through mentorship from experienced engineers. However, these opportunities are often limited, leaving many modelers to rely on highly theoretical academic resources or software-specific training that doesn’t always translate to real-world applications.
That’s where Mastering Water Models comes in. I created this course to provide an accessible, comprehensive, and hands-on learning experience that focuses on practical modeling techniques. These techniques can be applied across various software platforms and in different regional contexts. My goal is to equip you with the skills and confidence to create reliable, high-quality water distribution models, no matter where you work or what tools you use.
How to use this course​
This course is designed to be flexible and adaptable to your experience level:
- If you're new to hydraulic modeling: Start with the fundamentals. These sections will guide you through the basics of hydraulic principles, model building, and calibration. You'll learn how to apply these concepts in real-world scenarios using interactive examples.
- If you have some experience: Dive into the more advanced topics. These sections cover live modeling, transient analysis, and coding for automation. You’ll also explore global modeling practices, helping you understand and adapt to different regional approaches.
- If you're an experienced modeler: Use this course to fill in any knowledge gaps or to refine your existing skills. You can also provide it as a training tool for junior modelers on your team. The advanced modules will challenge you to push your understanding further, while the global perspective will give you insights into how your work fits into the broader context of water modeling worldwide.
No matter where you start, you’ll find that the course’s interactive elements—from small widgets to complete models—make complex concepts more understandable and engaging. These tools are designed to give you instant feedback, helping you learn by doing, which is the most effective way to master hydraulic modeling.
What will you learn in this course?​
In Mastering Water Models, you’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of hydraulic modeling, from foundational principles to advanced techniques. Here’s an overview of the key topics you’ll explore throughout the course:
The fundamentals​
- Hydraulics: Learn the core principles of fluid flow and pressure behavior within water distribution systems. This section lays the groundwork for understanding how water moves through networks of pipes, valves, and pumps.
- Model building: Get step-by-step guidance on constructing accurate and functional water distribution system models. You’ll learn how to map out networks, define system components, and set up simulations that reflect real-world conditions.
- Field testing: Discover techniques for collecting essential data and measurements from real-world systems. Accurate field data is crucial for enhancing model reliability and ensuring your simulations are as close to reality as possible.
- Demand estimation: Understand how to estimate and incorporate water consumption patterns of users. You’ll learn to simulate realistic demands within your models, ensuring that they accurately reflect the needs of the communities you serve.
- Calibration: Dive into the techniques and tools required to tweak and refine your models so that they match observed data. Proper calibration is key to creating reliable and precise simulations that you can trust for decision-making.
- Planning: Learn the strategies and considerations necessary when setting up simulations aimed at long-term planning, infrastructure investments, and growth prediction. This section will help you ensure that your models are robust enough to support future development.
Advanced skills​
- Live modeling: Explore the integration of hydraulic models with system telemetry in real-time, allowing for on-the-fly adjustments and dynamic validation against live operational data. This is where you’ll see how modeling can directly impact day-to-day operations.
- Transients: Understand the factors that cause water hammer or pressure surges, and learn the techniques to model, predict, and mitigate these potentially harmful events in a system.
- Coding & scripts: Learn how to use coding to automate tasks, customize simulations, and integrate hydraulic models into broader engineering workflows. This section will help you leverage technology to enhance your modeling capabilities.
- Advanced water quality: Extend your understanding of water quality simulations to include complex contaminant transport, reaction kinetics, and source tracing within distribution systems. You’ll learn how to ensure safe and compliant water delivery in your models.
- Modeling algorithms: Get acquainted with the underlying mathematical algorithms and techniques that drive a hydraulic model's computational engine. This deep dive will give you a better understanding of how models work behind the scenes and how to optimize them.
Practical applications​
Throughout the course, you’ll not only learn these concepts theoretically but also apply them through interactive, web-based examples. These hands-on activities are designed to reinforce your understanding and give you the confidence to use these techniques in real-world scenarios.
Whether you’re just beginning or looking to advance your skills, Mastering Water Models offers a well-rounded education that prepares you for the challenges of hydraulic modeling. By the end of the course, you’ll have a solid foundation, practical experience, and a global perspective that will set you apart in the field.
About the author​
My name is Luke Butler, and I’m a hydraulic modeler and software developer from Canada with over a decade of experience in the water industry. My career has taken me across the globe, from Australia to the United Kingdom and now to North America, where I’ve worked with some of the leading water utilities and consultancies.
My journey in hydraulic modeling began with a steep learning curve, and I quickly realized the limitations of traditional education and training methods. This realization led me to develop Mastering Water Models, a course that brings together my passion for practical modeling, my commitment to advancing the industry, and my desire to make hydraulic modeling knowledge more accessible to engineers worldwide.
I’m an active member of several water-centric organizations, including the American Water Works Association (AWWA), the Australian Water Association (AWA), and the Smart Water Networks (SWAN). I’ve also made significant contributions to open-source projects like EPANET and developed the web based version epanet-js, showcasing my dedication to innovation and knowledge-sharing in the field of hydraulic modeling.
Through this course, and my ongoing engagement with global water communities, I aim to bridge the knowledge gap in hydraulic modeling and empower engineers with the tools they need to drive innovation and efficiency in water management.
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