Questions we
get asked a lot.

Our hydraulic modelling services span water distribution system modelling, hydraulic model development and calibration, system capacity analysis and operational modelling. Engagements typically use InfoWorks WS Pro, InfoWorks ICM, EPANET or WaterGEMS — we're platform-agnostic and will work with whichever tool best fits your existing environment. The goal is always to turn a model into an active decision-support asset, not a document that sits on a shelf.

Our non-revenue water consulting starts with a rigorous water balance analysis to quantify real losses, apparent losses and commercial losses. From there we design targeted leakage reduction strategies, develop district metered areas (DMAs), and combine pressure management with leak detection planning. Each element is tied back to measurable NRW reduction outcomes and aligned with IWA best practice.

Absolutely — this is one of the most common starting points. Many utilities have models that aren't being used to their full potential. We help connect existing models to operational and asset data, improve calibration, and deploy them as active decision-support tools rather than static planning documents.

Yes — this is one of our core specialisms. We regularly work with utilities whose data is fragmented across SCADA, AMI, GIS, asset management systems and spreadsheets. Our approach focuses on identifying what data genuinely matters, cleaning and aligning it, and establishing simple, repeatable flows between systems so it becomes useful rather than overwhelming.

Pressure management involves controlling the pressure in your distribution network — typically through flow-modulating pressure reducing valves (PRVs) and strategic monitoring. Managing pressure well reduces leakage, lowers burst frequency, extends the life of pipes and fittings, and can significantly defer capital spend. A 1% reduction in average pressure typically delivers around a 1.4% reduction in leak flow rates.

We start from outcomes, not devices. Rather than recommending sensors based on what's available, we work backwards from what you need to know — whether that's leakage detection, pressure optimisation, water quality assurance or incident response. We then design a sensor strategy and deployment plan that makes the combined dataset useful for operational decision-making from day one.

Yes — this is a transformation we support regularly. We start with a GIS readiness check, then layer in spatial analysis of leaks, breaks, complaints and service issues to identify hotspots and risk zones. We then integrate SCADA, AMI and model outputs into a single spatial view with dashboards that give operators and planners a shared, up-to-date picture of network performance.

Yes — both are core offerings. A smart water network readiness assessment evaluates your data maturity, sensor coverage, systems integration and operational practices against a structured framework, producing a prioritised roadmap. A digital twin readiness assessment focuses on whether your hydraulic models, real-time data feeds and governance are in place to sustain a live operational twin for your water utility, and maps the practical steps to get there.

We connect hydraulic modelling, geospatial analysis and operational data to identify where the network is most vulnerable and where targeted investment will deliver the greatest return. Our work gives leadership teams a clear, evidence-based view of risk that can be used to prioritise capital programmes, build regulatory business cases and communicate investment rationale to boards and councillors.

A smart-water roadmap is a structured, phased plan that links where your utility is today — in terms of data maturity, systems capability and operational practice — to where it needs to be to achieve its strategic objectives. We begin with a maturity assessment using a SWAN-style multi-layer framework, benchmark against peer utilities, and then develop a realistic, prioritised roadmap with clear milestones and business cases for each phase.

This is one of the most common challenges we encounter. Having data is only half the problem — the other half is having a trusted, consistent view of it that leadership can rely on. We work with management teams to understand how data is governed across the organisation, identify gaps and inconsistencies, and build a decision-ready information environment with KPIs that are calculated transparently and consistently.

We design our outputs with the audience in mind. For boards and executives, we build interactive dashboards, visual summaries and narrative reports that communicate key messages clearly without losing technical rigour. For regulators and councillors, we develop structured briefings that link evidence directly to decisions. Technical detail is always available underneath, but it doesn't have to dominate the conversation.

Yes, and we do this regularly. AquaNet often works as a specialist sub-consultant or embedded SME within larger project teams, providing targeted technical depth without disrupting existing client relationships. We're experienced at integrating seamlessly with other firms' workflows, branding and client-facing processes.

We engage during the pursuit phase to help shape scope, strengthen methodology sections and add credible SME depth to proposals. This can include reviewing and improving technical narratives, identifying risks and differentiators, preparing CVs, drafting specialist components and supporting interviews or presentations. We work to your timeline and within your document formats.

Yes. We provide independent technical review across hydraulic models, NRW studies, pressure management designs, digital strategies and data-integration workflows. Our QA/QC process includes validating assumptions, reviewing modelling logic, checking data alignment and assessing whether deliverables meet recognised best practice. This is often used to raise technical credibility on high-profile or time-critical projects.

Yes. We have project experience across Canada, the UK, the Caribbean, the Middle East and Australasia, and regularly support partners on international bids. This includes adapting methodologies to local regulations, modelling standards, NRW practices and digital-water frameworks — ensuring proposals and deliverables align with regional expectations and procurement requirements.

For most engagements we can mobilise within one to two weeks of agreeing scope and terms. For urgent situations — such as incident response support or time-critical bid assistance — we can often move faster. Get in touch early and we'll work with your timeline.

Both. We're comfortable with focused, short-term assignments — a model review, a one-off analysis, a proposal review — as well as extended engagements where we work alongside your team over months or years. We tailor our involvement to what's actually useful, not what fills a contract.

Most engagements begin with a scoping conversation to understand the challenge, what data and systems are in place, and what a good outcome looks like. From there we agree a focused scope of work — typically starting with a diagnostic or assessment phase before moving into delivery. We avoid large upfront commitments where the problem isn't yet fully defined.

We treat client data with strict confidentiality as a matter of professional practice. All engagements are governed by appropriate confidentiality agreements, and we work within the client's preferred data-sharing and security protocols. We never share client data, models or operational information with third parties without explicit permission.

Absolutely. If you have a challenge but aren't sure how to frame it or which service fits best, just get in touch and describe what you're dealing with. We'll have an honest conversation about whether and how we can help — and if someone else is better placed to assist, we'll say so.