Since 2003, AEW has assisted the City of Clawson with design and construction of over 10 miles of water main replacement projects. In 2009, The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) required that the City of Clawson complete an expanded reliability study of its water distribution system. AEW worked with the City to develop a calibration plan to test hydrants, develop the water system model, and link to the City’s GIS. In keeping with MDEQ requirements, the model was analyzed for average, maximum day, and peak hour demands, as well as fire flow capability. During field testing and later during model calibration, it became apparent that valves were closed throughout the City. AEW provided the City a list of locations in which we suspected closed or broken valves. The City confirmed that several valves were indeed closed or broken and quickly addressed the issue. Based on model results, AEW recommended system improvements over the next 20 years to increase reliability and efficiency in the City’s water distribution system.
