From Blueprint to Reality: DC Water’s Strategic Engineering Plan and Digital Twin Implementation
SUSTAINABILITY CHALLENGE
One of the 4 Key Sustainability Challenges
Story Highlights
UTILIZED SOFTWARE
Bentley Software
LOCATION
ORGANIZATION/COMPANY
PROJECT SUMMARY
DC Water implemented a real-time, cloud-managed digital twin using Bentley WaterSight and OpenFlows WaterGEMS to tackle $57.5M in annual Non-Revenue Water (NRW) loss across its 1,300 miles of aging mains. Leveraging the Blueprint 2.0 strategic plan, the system integrates SCADA, AMI, and hydraulic models. Key to the solution is the deployment of 120 pressure/transient sensors feeding Bentley’s Anomaly Leak Finder (ALF), which identifies and triangulates leaks in near real-time. This digital initiative is projected to minimize billions of gallons in water loss, reduce the carbon footprint by 50,000 metric tons (equal to removing 10,000 cars), and significantly enhance resilience for D.C.’s 700,000 residents and 26 million annual visitors. The project directly supports sustainability by conserving water resources and reducing the energy wasted in pumping lost water.
Relevant UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
SDG Goal 1
No Poverty
End poverty in all its forms everywhere.
SDG Goal 2
Zero Hunger
End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture.
SDG Goal 3
Good Health and Well-Being
Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.
SDG Goal 4
Quality Education
Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.
SDG Goal 5
Gender Equality
Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.
SDG Goal 6
Clean Water and Sanitation
Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.
SDG Goal 7
Affordable and Clean Energy
Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all.
SDG Goal 8
Decent Work and Economic Growth
Promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full employment, & decent work for all.
SDG Goal 9
Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization & foster innovation.
SDG Goal 10
Reduced Inequalities
Reduce inequality within and among countries.
SDG Goal 11
Sustainable Cities and Communities
Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.
SDG Goal 12
Responsible Consumption and Production
Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns.
SDG Goal 13
Climate Action
Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.
SDG Goal 14
Life Below Water
Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development.
SDG Goal 15
Life on Land
Sustainably manage ecosystems, combat desertification, reverse land degradation, & halt biodiversity loss.
SDG Goal 16
Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
Foster peaceful & inclusive societies, ensure justice access, & build effective, accountable institutions at all levels.
SDG Goal 17
Partnerships for the Goals
Strengthen the means of implementation & revitalize the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development.