Model or Digital Twin? AWWA Survey on Water Distribution Technology

Key Takeaways Two AWWA committees teamed up to conduct a 2024 survey on water utilities’ use of modeling technologies in their distribution systems. The survey indicated shifts in hydraulic modeling practices, such as more ways to use them, greater confidence in calibration results, and increased application of water quality modeling. Survey results showed strong interest among respondents in using advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, digital twins, and predictive analytics, but many utilities haven’t developed well‐defined plans for implementation.