Improving operational management of wastewater systems. A case study

Area of Science:

• Environmental Engineering
• Water Resource Management
• Wastewater Treatment Technology

Background:

• Sewer networks in the Ave River basin are vulnerable to water inflows due to extensive infrastructure in waterways.
• TRATAVE implemented a monitoring network to address these inflows in wastewater treatment facilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To reduce water inflows into wastewater treatment systems.
• To estimate infiltration volumes during wet periods.
• To enhance the operational performance of wastewater management.

Main Methods:

• Installation of flow measurement devices integrated with a SCADA system.
• Implementation of a decision support system (DSS) using the Delft-FEWS platform.
• Integration of monitoring data with hydrological and wastewater models.

Main Results:

• Estimation of infiltration volumes during wet periods using monitored data and model results.
• Successful location of manhole losses and unknown sewer connections through wastewater balances.
• Design of a PID controller for a pumping station based on real-time water level measurements.

Conclusions:

• The developed DSS significantly improved utility performance.
• Enhanced economic revenue and environmental protection were achieved through better system management.
• The integrated approach provides valuable insights for optimizing wastewater infrastructure.