Hydraulic model for wastewater system of Mount Barker

A hydraulic model is a tool which provides data on the performance of current and future development growth. The model utilises asset data such as pipe attributes, pump station patterns and historical data to calculate performance.

Who this is for

This project benefits the wider local government CWMS sector by demonstrating innovative, data-driven decision-making approaches that other councils can adopt.

What's being delivered

• Hydraulic model to provide data on current performance and future development growth.
• Demonstration of the use of technologies for enhanced decision making.
• Innovation leadership and support.

About the project

The hydraulic model was constructed using data from the latest GIS and AutoCAD dataset, rainfall records, contours, SPS configuration data and customer/trade-waste information.

The model was created to support strategic decision-making across multiple dimensions. It identified current system performance issues such as capacity constraints, overflow risks, pump duty stress, and storage limitations, enabling targeted investigations and operational fixes.

For growth planning, the model tested connection strategies and staged upgrades for both greenfield and infill developments to maintain service levels and prevent downstream impacts. It also enhanced climate resilience by assessing system behaviour under high-intensity storms, informing risk mitigation measures, storage requirements, and infiltration management.

Finally, the model optimised investment decisions by comparing options for cost, service quality, environmental impact, and risk, ensuring financially sustainable programs backed by clear business cases.

Final project report

View the Hydraulic Model Project Final Project Report (PDF 481.2 KB).

Project funding

This project was funded through the Community Wastewater Innovation Fund.

This scheme allocates funding to projects to support innovation within the CWMS sector. Successful applicants are decided through an annual grant round.