HCE offers a comprehensive array of planning services to help our clients meet the challenges of the future. The services that we provide include population and demand projections, characterization of existing water resources, determining the need for additional sources of supply, evaluating treatment processes, hydraulic modeling, developing alternatives to satisfy projected demands, and recommending system improvements to meet demands over the entire planning horizon. Our staff have previously prepared both hydraulic models and master plans for local utilities in order to support design, planning and budgeting initiatives.
Master Plan Development
HCE understands that as utilities grow, change and age, your needs change as well. We have proudly helped South Florida utilities develop comprehensive master plans to address anticipated future demands. These plans have established the condition of the existing system and then formed the “road map” for utility expansion. Our clients have enjoyed specific recommendations that allow planning, prioritization, and budgeting for identifiable Capital Improvement Projects (CIP). For growing communities, the plans have also allowed our clients to require new developments to install certain infrastructure that meets the ultimate needs of the utility rather than simply the needs of the development.
Our experience has shown the key to successful master planning is the careful and thoughtful collection and evaluation of existing data and future projections. Another key element of successful master planning is having a variety of design and construction experience in the various areas of utility engineering, including pipelines, pump stations, storage, treatment, grants/loans, and permitting.
Hydraulic Modeling
HCE has two certified master modelers who have experience in hydraulic modeling utilizing Bentley’s WaterGEMS and Innovyze’s InfoWater software to analyze reclaimed water distribution and force main systems. We have developed, verified, and calibrated multiple hydraulic models utilizing field-collected pressure data, flow test data, and plant data. HCE staff has assisted in the development of hydraulic models for multiple local clients. After development, the models are utilized for master planning, capital improvement planning and design purposes. The hydraulic models can also be used for feasibility analyses, to determine the effects of growth, pump selection, and reuse water age and quality analysis. HCE believes that a hydraulic model is an important tool for planning purposes and should be constantly updated and calibrated to ensure accuracy in the future.
