Urban Water Solutions was engaged by the John Holland – KBR Joint Venture to provide hydraulic analysis for sewer flow management associated with a project to renew Melbourne Water’s Epsom Road Main Sewer. The sewer, originally constructed over 100 years ago, provides an essential link between major sewers in Melbourne’s sewerage network. This renewal required the installation of over 3.5km of pipes and associated pumps for sewage by-pass at 12 locations for flow rates of up to 550 l/s.

Urban Water Solutions conducted the hydraulic modelling required to simulate the by-pass systems and the sewage flow management strategies that were necessary for the works to be completed safely and on time. This modelling work included:

• • Modifying and combining existing Melbourne Water (MW) and Greater Western Water (GWW) sewer network models using Infoworks ICM,
  • Ensuring that the combined model simulations reproduced simulations previously conducted by MW and GWW,
  • Verification of the integrated model against newly commissioned flow monitoring data,
  • Incorporation of by-pass pumps and associated rising mains into the Infoworks ICM model,
  • Development of protocols for the operation of the sewage diversion system using forecast and observed rainfall, and
  • Provision of advice to assist with emergency evacuation plans.

Urban Water Solutions’ work on this project contributed to Melbourne Water and its project partners, John Holland – KBR JV, Interflow, and Welltech, winning the Water Industry Safety Excellence Award at the 2023 Australian Water Association National Awards