What is WaterNAM?
The Water Network Analysis Model (WaterNAM™) is a geospatial hydraulic model for analysis and design of water distribution systems. It performs both steady state and extended period simulation of water flow and quality, including constituent concentrations and fire-flow analyses, and energy-cost assessment. WaterNAM utilizes U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s EPANET software (version 2) as the simulation engine and ESRI’s ArcGIS® for spatial data development, providing a robust platform for engineers to design, analyze and optimize different components of a water distribution network. The extension allows users to efficiently set up a model and perform hydraulic and water quality simulation entirely within the ArcGIS®system.
What are the typical applications of WaterNAM?
WaterNAM can be applied to
Model, design and analyze any
water distribution system
components
Design and optimize
distribution pipe sizes and
compute friction loss across
the pipe network
Perform fire-flow analysis and
design hydrant capacities
Model constant or
variable speed pumps, pumping system
arrangement and their
control operation
Model and design storage
tanks, and optimize
tank operation (with or without pump control)
Flood plain
mapping of natural
channel systems
Estimate leakage losses,
pressure dependent flow and
flow from the emitter type
nodes
Model chemical constituent
quality and movement
throughout the network
How is WaterNAM different from other similar water distribution models?
For hydraulic and water quality modeling of distribution networks, EPANET is referred as the fundamental program, and it’s one of the most widely used applications in this sector. However, there are a number of advanced commercial packages available also like WaterCAD, InfoWater, KYPipe etc. Each of them have their own classified features for the modelers. In this aspect, WaterNAM joins the market with its unique credibility by bringing a geospatial environment in ArcGIS® platform for the EPANET software, and obviously with reduced amount of cost and modeling effort for the users (compared to other applications).
Any experienced modeler would agree with the fact that preparing input data for a sophisticated model takes the lion’s share of his/her total modeling time. Besides, the data processing for a large distribution model often becomes monotonous and complex simultaneously. By integrating EPANET within ArcMap™, WaterNAM helps users to significantly reduce the time it takes to prepare model input, makes data processing almost automated, increase the accuracy of input data, store and manage data in a database environment and visualize and inspect model objects on a map. It allows users to run simulation and view output without ever exiting the GIS environment.
WaterNAM Highlights
100% Compatible with EPANET software
No Learning Curve for ArcGIS® and EPANET users
Model setup, simulation and output visualization completely within ArcGIS®
Unrestricted access to ArcMap functionalities
Support of queries and reporting of data stored in a file geodatabase
Tabular view of input and output data
Export EPANET input and scenario files
Special Tools
Network Analysis tool
Model creation from existing GIS data
GIS data Append option in the existing model
Data management in a file geodatabase
Automatic pipe length calculation
Export EPANET input and scenario files
Control rule editor
Enhanced tabular view of model data
View Profile Plot
View Time Series Plot
View Time Series Comparison
View Reaction Report and Energy Report