Our Project Portfolio

Byron Shire Council required an updated capital plan to inform the location and timing of upgrades across its water and sewerage networks. DWS updated the council's network models within InfoWorks WS Pro and InfoWorks ICM, then developed a comprehensive capital program to guide the strategic roadmap for addressing future water and sewerage network requirements.

• Reviewed previous master plan documentation and network planning reports
• Assessed water and sewerage network performance under future demand (AD, MDMM, PD) and loading (ADWF, PWWF) scenarios
• Identified areas of non-compliance with required service standards
• Developed network augmentation options to address future capacity gaps
• Prepared infrastructure staging plans and high-level cost estimates
• Delivered a comprehensive capital plan for water and sewerage networks

As part of planned changes to the Waikowhai Water Supply Zone — including a new pump station and watermains — concerns were raised about potential impacts on water quality and supply pressures for customers supplied via the Richardson Road watermain. DWS undertook a targeted assessment of the proposed configuration to confirm service levels, protect customer supply pressures, and mitigate water quality risks.

• Reviewed existing data and proposed configuration options for the Richardson Road watermain
• Conducted detailed options analysis covering normal operation, resilience, and configuration variations
• Extended study zones to ensure robust solution selection
• Facilitated stakeholder workshops with Watercare's operations team to discuss and refine options
• Documented the assessment process and outcomes in an updated Zone Implementation Plan
• Prepared and handed over updated hydraulic model runs for each option assessed

Transient pressures — commonly known as water hammer — can cause leaks, burst mains, and system failures. Watercare engaged DWS to undertake a targeted assessment of transient events across the Auckland network, focusing on identifying their causes, assessing their impacts, and developing a framework for ongoing monitoring and management.

• Reviewed hydrant flow test data, sprinkler activities, network operations, burst records, and fire flow standards
• Identified trial study areas and suitable logger deployment sites for transient pressure monitoring
• Deployed and reviewed pressure loggers to capture real-time data during hydrant and sprinkler activities
• Linked recorded transient events to specific network activities through detailed data analysis
• Developed an initial process for ongoing transient investigations across the Watercare network
• Explored software solutions for real-time transient detection and future modelling using InfoWorks WS Pro

Watercare engaged DWS to provide hydraulic modelling and assessment services for the creation of District Metered Areas (DMAs) and Pressure Management Areas (PMAs) across three key zones: Hobson (Central), Albany (North Shore), and Warkworth (North Auckland). The project underpins Watercare's Smart Systems strategy for improved leakage reduction, pressure management, and long-term network resilience.

• Reviewed existing InfoWorks WS Pro models from Watercare's NP2M library and confirmed model suitability
• Assessed and defined DMA/PMA boundaries, including validation of flow meter and PRV locations
• Confirmed hydraulic feasibility of proposed subzones in Hobson, Albany, and Warkworth
• Assessed staged current performance, zone isolation, and pressure reduction impacts
• Considered firefighting performance implications for key customers including schools
• Delivered zone implementation scoring and prioritisation for 1–2 year and 5+ year horizons
• Facilitated six stakeholder workshops presenting hydraulic outputs and operational recommendations

Internal audits identified significant gaps in Seqwater's model governance, with risks arising from undocumented assumptions, outdated model versions, and inconsistent validation practices. DWS developed a high-level Model Strategy to strengthen governance, reduce risk, and ensure Seqwater's analytical models remain auditable, reliable, and fit-for-purpose across their full lifecycle.

• Developed a Model Risk Management (MRM) Framework covering inventory, governance roles, documentation standards, validation protocols, version control, and change management
• Reviewed existing models (GHM, RAT, OPTRSM, Resilience Model, Demand Polygon) for alignment with the MRM framework
• Conducted a gap analysis against industry benchmarks and identified improvement opportunities
• Consulted with internal stakeholders to capture modelling needs, priorities, and risks
• Analysed industry trends in digital twins, predictive analytics, AI/ML, and climate-adaptive modelling
• Developed a phased future modelling roadmap with 1-, 3-, and 5-year capability recommendations
• Prepared a final strategy document and executive presentation for senior stakeholders

North Burnett Regional Council provides water and wastewater services to five townships and anticipates a 40% population increase over the next decade. DWS built and analysed hydraulic models across the region's water and sewer networks to provide a robust platform for decision-making, infrastructure planning, and development servicing as the region grows.

• Built seven water distribution models and five sewerage models in InfoWorks WS Pro and InfoWorks ICM
• Reviewed GIS, SCADA, and background data to ensure models reflect current infrastructure and operations
• Calibrated and validated models using operational and field data
• Assessed current network capacity and identified deficiencies in pressure, fire flow, pump operations, and sewerage conveyance
• Ran growth scenarios across 10-, 20-, and 30-year planning horizons
• Developed staged augmentation strategies including infrastructure upgrades, operational improvements, and network extensions
• Produced detailed reports, maps, and GIS outputs to support capital works planning and development assessments

MidCoast Council manages a range of water and sewer schemes across its service area at different stages of development. With strong population growth and increasing regulatory requirements, the council required comprehensive servicing strategies to guide infrastructure investment and developer charging over a 30-year horizon. These strategies also form the foundation for future Development Servicing Plans.

• Built two water distribution models (Gloucester and Bulahdelah) and seven sewerage models in InfoWorks WS Pro and ICM
• Reviewed data, conducted gap analyses, and calibrated models using SCADA and field data
• Developed loadings and growth projections for key schemes
• Prepared three water and seven sewer servicing strategies for identified schemes
• Assessed 2024 system performance and forecast future capacity under 10-, 20-, and 30-year growth scenarios
• Provided staged augmentation recommendations with indicative cost estimates
• Delivered updated models, GIS layers, and comprehensive scheme-specific reports

Rapid population growth and major new developments across the Moreton Bay, Sunshine Coast, and Noosa areas required Unitywater to comprehensively review and update its northern water supply network master plans. DWS developed two 30-year master plans to identify current and future service deficiencies and guide capital investment in supply security and network performance.

• Updated the Sunshine Coast water supply hydraulic model in InfoWorks WS Pro with current GIS data, committed augmentations, and major developments
• Developed a GIS-based DMaTT demand model for accurate demand allocation to the hydraulic model
• Conducted a network deficiency and system performance assessment including fire flow analysis
• Prepared servicing strategies for growth areas and identified operational improvements
• Developed two 30-year water network master plans for the Image Flat/Kenilworth and Landers Shute supply regions
• Produced a capital works program with preliminary cost estimates to guide investment decisions
• Delivered a fully updated and validated hydraulic model and GIS shapefiles reflecting master plan solutions

Richmond Valley Council required updated network models and a revised capital plan to inform the location and timing of upgrades across its water and sewerage networks. DWS updated the council's models in InfoWorks WS Pro and InfoWorks ICM and developed a comprehensive capital infrastructure program to guide future investment.

• Reviewed previous master plan documentation and network planning reports
• Updated water and sewerage network models in InfoWorks WS Pro and InfoWorks ICM
• Assessed water network performance under existing and future demand scenarios (AD, MDMM, PD)
• Assessed sewerage network performance under future loading scenarios (ADWF, PWWF)
• Identified areas of non-compliance with required service standards
• Developed network augmentation options and infrastructure staging plans
• Prepared high-level cost estimates and a capital plan for water and sewerage networks

Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water delivers water and wastewater services to approximately 72,000 residents across 13 municipalities. With rising regulatory demands for improved service levels and the need to assess infrastructure capacity for future development, GWMWater engaged DWS to revise its Development Servicing Plans (DSPs) for Ararat, Stawell, and Horsham.

• Reviewed GWMWater's water and wastewater infrastructure and assessed future servicing needs
• Prepared updated Development Servicing Plans for Ararat, Stawell, and Horsham
• Prepared trunk infrastructure plans for each district
• Consulted with councils on future growth, subdivision, and development plans
• Reviewed and updated existing water and wastewater hydraulic models
• Developed growth scenario hydraulic models for demand forecasting
• Quantified necessary upgrades to treatment facilities to meet expected demand changes
• Identified network upgrades required to meet Urban Charter and Fire Flow standards
• Estimated infrastructure upgrade timing over 2-, 5-, and 10-year horizons

Queensland Airports Limited (QAL) is expanding its Gold Coast Airport and Border Park sites with new hotels and commercial developments. With ageing infrastructure and the potential for a light rail extension, QAL required a comprehensive master plan to assess future water and sewerage capacity, ensure service continuity, and plan for long-term network resilience and redundancy.

• Reviewed previous planning documentation and conducted a data gap analysis
• Developed hydraulic models for existing water and sewerage networks at Gold Coast Airport and Border Park
• Assessed existing network performance including critical failure scenarios
• Developed water demand and sewerage loadings for two future development scenarios
• Assessed network performance under future development scenarios to inform infrastructure staging
• Facilitated a project workshop to agree on masterplan staging and resilience testing approach
• Developed infrastructure solutions addressing capacity gaps and proposed development requirements
• Undertook critical failure assessments in consultation with QAL to understand service failure impacts
• Prepared infrastructure staging plans for proposed network augmentations

Livingstone Shire Council is experiencing significant population growth, with forecasts projecting a 70% increase by 2046 and a doubling of the population by 2060. DWS was engaged to develop a 30-year capital program providing a strategic plan for water infrastructure across the Capricorn Coast, ensuring financially sustainable and reliable service delivery as the region grows.

• Ensured compliance with the Water Supply (Safety and Reliability) Act 2008
• Reviewed the existing Capricorn Coast Water Supply Scheme and assessed network performance against Desired Standards of Service
• Developed growth scenarios representing potential development areas over the next 30 years
• Identified and quantified where and when trunk water infrastructure is required
• Augmented and updated the council's InfoWater hydraulic model for strategic planning
• Developed staged capital programs with cost estimates, considering sustainable financial management strategies
• Assessed implications for the council's Local Government Infrastructure Plan (LGIP) and asset management practices

DWS undertook a water network assessment for a proposed new living area in Bowral South, comprising up to 2,750 residential dwellings and a commercial precinct. The project evaluated the capacity of the existing network to service the development and developed a water supply servicing plan identifying infrastructure requirements to maintain current service levels.

• Assessed the impact of up to 2,750 new residential lots on Wingecarribee Shire Council's existing water network
• Identified network deficiencies arising from the proposed development
• Developed a water supply servicing plan for the new living area
• Identified required network enhancements to maintain service levels and meet council standards
• Provided infrastructure staging and cost estimates for required augmentations

DWS was engaged to provide a site feasibility assessment for a proposed 51.3-hectare rural land subdivision at Glenquarry, NSW, planned to yield approximately 500 residential lots. The assessment covered water supply, wastewater, and stormwater servicing options to inform early-stage planning and development approvals.

• Obtained available data for water, sewer, and stormwater assets from relevant authorities
• Assessed spare sewer capacity in available connection points and identified pumping requirements
• Evaluated options for connecting to public sewer networks, including Wingecarribee and Shoalhaven sewerage networks
• Determined available water supply pressures and options for network connection
• Assessed on-site detention and peak discharge control requirements for stormwater runoff
• Provided guidance on stormwater quality treatment and rainwater reuse requirements
• Identified riparian corridors, waterbodies, and NRAR controlled activity implications
• Assessed flood risk constraints and their impact on developable land area

Redland City Council engaged DWS to re-evaluate pump station diversions that had been integrated into updated Netserv models, in preparation for the council's Netserv Plan submission. The project addressed potential deviations from the original diversion plan and assessed the impacts of proposed network changes on the ultimate sewerage catchment scenario.

• Reviewed previous Netserv documentation and sewer hydraulic models for relevant catchments
• Updated the hydraulic model to reflect proposed diversion changes
• Assessed the ultimate development scenario and identified changes to the previously agreed network configuration
• Estimated costs for new and updated network augmentations
• Summarised assessment outcomes and identified changes to the previously identified Netserv program

DWS was engaged by the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder to develop a fit-for-purpose sewerage collection systems model to support ongoing network planning and assessment. The project included initial model development, calibration, and a series of capacity assessments evaluating the impacts of proposed developments on the existing sewer network.

• Reviewed available GIS, SCADA, operational data, and population data to inform model development
• Developed a sewerage collection systems model in InfoWorks ICM
• Calibrated and validated the model using operational and field data
• Investigated network configuration options and the impacts of future developments
• Assessed the capacity of the existing sewer network to service proposed developments including the Kalgoorlie Airport Hotel
• Identified capacity constraints and recommended augmentations to accommodate proposed growth
• Provided ongoing engineering and technical advisory services

The Mt Crosby water treatment plants (East Bank and West Bank) are critical to the South East Queensland Water Grid, supplying more than half of Brisbane and Ipswich's daily water. Seqwater engaged DWS to complete an additional water balance assessment to confirm Mt Crosby's minimum supply requirements across a range of water restriction scenarios, underpinned by the Interim Integrated Master Plan (IIMP) assumptions.

• Updated the Rapid Assessment Tool (RAT) with restricted demand data for five restriction levels (Voluntary, Medium, High, Severe, Emergency, and Emergency Minimum Supply Volume scenarios)
• Configured the RAT to perform water balance modelling minimising Mt Crosby WTP production
• Maximised transfer from regional interconnectors (SRWP, NPI, EPI) and treatment capacity outside Mt Crosby
• Applied IIMP assumptions relating to asset capability and timing of new infrastructure
• Assessed Mt Crosby minimum supply requirements under the full range of restriction scenarios

WSP teamed up with DWS to examine the benefits of live operational network models for Unitywater and to perform a technical gap analysis and roadmap for the potential future adoption of live hydraulic modelling across Unitywater's water and sewerage networks.

• Reviewed existing data assets and live modelling solutions available in the market
• Assessed water distribution and sewerage network models for live model readiness
• Conducted a benefits analysis of live operational models
• Identified data requirements for live model implementation
• Met with Unitywater IT systems personnel to assess integration requirements
• Developed recommendations for a preferred future state
• Completed a gap analysis and prepared a phased implementation roadmap
• Delivered a comprehensive report documenting findings and recommendations

DWS was engaged by WSP to assist with major water distribution model updates and network capacity assessments as part of TasWater's 50-year water master plan program. The project covered ten hydraulic models across three regions in Tasmania, incorporating detailed infrastructure updates, demand development, and bulk transfer capacity assessments.

• Updated primary network infrastructure in ten hydraulic models using current GIS data and recent capital works records
• Developed future demands up to a 50-year planning horizon from consumption data and demand forecasts
• Updated operational controls and pump station and reservoir logic using SCADA data
• Performed detailed capacity assessments of bulk water transfer infrastructure across three regions
• Assessed transfer main capacity and pump station and reservoir performance over the 50-year horizon
• Prepared model update and validation reports and network capacity reports for each model and region

Coffs Harbour City Council decided to migrate its water distribution model from InfoWater to InfoWorks WS Pro. DWS managed the full migration, ensuring the new model replicated the functionality, scenarios, and performance of the existing model — including the translation of complex operational controls.

• Reviewed the existing InfoWater model and all associated scenarios and master plan documentation
• Assessed InfoWater model performance across all scenarios
• Exported and imported network data from InfoWater to InfoWorks WS Pro via the .XINP Gateway
• Reviewed imported data and resolved network validation issues
• Translated complex controls and Real-Time Controls into User Programmable Controls (UPCs) in InfoWorks WS Pro
• Validated operational patterns, curves, and other model parameters
• Developed and replicated all scenarios from InfoWater into InfoWorks WS Pro
• Tested and validated InfoWorks WS Pro model outputs against InfoWater results across 10+ scenarios
• Documented the operational comparison and validation process

Port Macquarie-Hastings Council transitioned from MIKE+ to InfoWorks ICM and InfoWorks WS Pro for sewerage and water modelling. DWS performed the model conversions, provided face-to-face training at the council's offices in Port Macquarie, and delivers ongoing technical modelling support to help the team maximise the value of the InfoWorks platform.

• Reviewed existing MIKE+ water and sewerage models and assessed model performance
• Exported all relevant data from MIKE+ and resolved network validation issues in InfoWorks
• Developed operational controls including complex and Real-Time Controls from MIKE+ equivalents
• Validated operational patterns, curves, and model parameters
• Developed scenarios in InfoWorks ICM and InfoWorks WS Pro replicating MIKE+ data sets
• Tested and validated InfoWorks models against MIKE+ results to confirm accuracy
• Documented the operational comparison and conversion process
• Provided face-to-face InfoWorks ICM and InfoWorks WS Pro training at the council's Port Macquarie office
• Provided ongoing technical modelling support to the PMHC team

DWS was engaged by GANDEN Engineers to assess the water, recycled water, and sewer infrastructure networks associated with a large proposed industrial development in Brendale, Queensland. The project evaluated existing network capacity and identified the infrastructure implications of the development under multiple recycled water supply scenarios.

• Assessed current performance of the Unitywater water supply and sewer network in the Brendale area
• Determined availability of recycled water from the Brendale Sewage Treatment Plant
• Confirmed sewer loads and water demands arising from the proposed development
• Assessed two recycled water supply scenarios: no recycled water (potable supply only) and maximum recycled water supply (minimum potable supply)
• Updated Unitywater's hydraulic models to reflect proposed development loads and demands
• Inspected model results and appraised network performance impacts
• Identified locations of non-conformance with the SEQ Water Supply and Sewerage Design and Construction Code
• Detailed recycled water connection and supply requirements for the development