Water & Wastewater Treatment

www.wwtonline.co.uk | WWT | JANUARY 2016 | 11 Front line Clare Anderson Assistant Clean Water Hydraulic Modeller, Dwr Cymru Welsh Water What's the main purpose of your job role? I build hydraulic models of all aspects of the treated clean water network. I build these to understand the current operating state of the network and also to highlight any issues such as restrictions or headlosses. The majority of the models I build are used for testing new developments and developing optioneering solutions to allow the developments to proceed. I also construct 3 dimensional Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) models of Service Reservoirs which help us understand water age, velocity and flow patterns. When did you start working in the water industry and what led you to your current job? I started working in GIS as part of a team digitising sewers that came into DCWW's ownership through the private sewer transfer. I started doing the occasional bit of work for the clean water modelling team, such as updating their completed and in progress model portrait. An opening in their team came up, and I applied for it and haven't looked back since. Describe your typical working day. I usually start by checking my inbox to see if there have been any new modelling queries or requests for hydraulic modelling assessment (HMA) progress. Depending on the upcoming deadlines, I will devote my time to working on these. This may include planning field tests, actual model builds and calibration, or report writing. I may also have a CFD model solving on an additional computer which I will check on and tweak occasionally. What attributes do you need to do your job well? A lot of patience and a good ability to solve problems! Most of the issues I find within modelling need me to think outside the box and look at the problem from a lot of different angles. What is the most rewarding aspect of your job? Model calibration; especially on the more challenging aspects of model builds such as trunk mains and service reservoirs. Getting the model to exactly match reality can be difficult; however it is very rewarding once achieved. And the worst aspect? Working with the CFD models is very challenging as it requires a good understanding of fluid dynamics coupled with physics. The model set up is quite a lengthy process and understanding what is relevant can be a game of trial and error. Especially when the model solving has completed and the results are not quite what was expected! When not at work, my ideal way to unwind is… I do a lot of road cycling and running around the area I live in. I love live music and so I go to a lot of gigs around the country – mostly centred in Bristol and Cardiff. Any time I can make to go away travelling is also something I frequently look forward to. ● The Welsh Water Smart Hub emerged from DCWW's strategic intent to take a more proactive approach to infrastructure issues, identifying and dealing with potential problems before they affect customers. ● Analysts in the hub, which is based in Cardiff, use data science, hydraulic modelling, and enhanced telemetry systems to enable a more holistic view of Welsh Water's infrastructure. ● The Smart Hub deals with over half a million clean and wastewater asset alarms per annum, covering DCWW's £26BN network of assets spanning Wales, Herefordshire and Deeside. Clare Anderson at work in Welsh Water's Smart Hub in Cardiff

• Cover