Abstract

Evolution of City of Richardson's Water Distribution System Model
Track: Water, Wastewater, and Storm Water
Authors: Gaye Belles

Over 12 years the representation of the city's water distribution system has progressed from an assortment of paper maps to a complete geodatabase network with hydraulic modeling capabilities.

The first model was developed by calculating the ideal water pressure using ground elevations, water tank elevations and pressure zone boundaries. The resulting maps displayed an area of low water pressure and how proposed pressure zone boundary changes would resolve the problem. This demonstrated that a small geospatial effort could have a large return on the city's investment.

The paper maps for the water system were digitized and networked in the geodatabase. This network was improved and updated with as-built plans from subdivisions. Field crews now review maps and submit changes based on their knowledge and experience, resulting in a complete, accurate geodatabase that includes field knowledge from the crews. These improvements enabled the development of a hydraulic model using InfoWater software.

Gaye Belles
City of Richardson, Texas
PO Box 830309
Richardson, Texas 75083-0309
United States
Phone: 973-744-4234
E-mail: gaye.belles@cor.gov