Olomouc is a city in Moravia, in the east of the Czech Republic. It is the sixth largest city in the state and has a population of about 102,000. The city of Olomouc has been constantly examining new methods to improve the way things are run. To support the city’s development plan, the municipality of Olomouc—which is responsible for its water network—needed to look for means to enhance the water management system. As the city’s trusted advisor in water infrastructure planning, we were approached to help prepare an overview of Olomouc’s current and future water supply stages, sewer networks and open channel networks.

Challenge

As historic references were isolated and too generic, the municipality of Olomouc lacked an overall concept of how to redevelop their existing water management system. The city was missing a complex evaluation capacity of open stormwater channels and small creeks, as only individual studies were available previously. They faced a similar situation in the area of water supply. They needed to increase overall knowledge of the water network using a more complex model, which could describe the city’s water management system in further detail. The aim of the investment in the system was to keep the network sustainable in the future.

We were the leading partner in this project, co-operating with consultancy and design companies SWECO, JV PROJEKT VH and VODIS. The main task was to develop the overall master plan of Olomouc’s water system while working smartly within the allocated budget.

Combined sewer overflow structure at the sewer network, © Vodohospodarska spolecnost Olomouc. © DHI
The water tank on the top of the commercial building is an important part of the water supply network. © DHI

Solution

Using MIKE URBAN+ (now MIKE+) for priority reconstruction development

The project—commissioned in December 2012 based on Olomouc’s city development plan and slated to continue into year 2030—comprised three phases covering the city’s water management conditions. In laying the foundation to start off the development, our team elaborated an update of the urban drainage master plan, produced a new water supply master plan and processed a drainage area study. These components were connected into the next fourth phase, that is, the reconstruction plan of future developments. This reconstruction plan evaluated the necessity of water infrastructure repairs and assessed the technical and economic aspects of developments in the pipeline.

The team developed models for each phase of the project using MIKE URBAN (now MIKE+), our reconstruction software tool, with the extent of coverage as follows:

  • water supply master plan – 328 km of network
  • urban drainage master plan – 310 km of network
  • drainage area study – 63 km of streams and channels
An overview of the water supply network, sewerage network and overall system of small creeks and open channels. © DHI

The modelling provided the simulation needed to evaluate both present and future conditions and MIKE URBAN+ (now MIKE+) allowed us to prioritise the areas to be developed within the reconstruction plan. Project results were then delivered in both paper and digital format.

Our approach addressed long-standing challenges faced by the client, including concerns especially in these areas:

  • evaluation of technical conditions of the network
  • solving high variation of pressure in the water supply network
  • combined sewer overflows – structure optimisation and interrelation of sewer network behaviour with flood protection measures
  • introduction of open channels and small creeks as part of the regular urban drainage system, as well as identification of flood risk zones
    complex
  • evaluation of technical stage of water infrastructure of the city in the investment plan
  • monitoring and calibration of models of sewer and water supply networks
  • analysing, complementing and updating existing water supply and sewer networks
  • setting of guidelines and conditions for new construction for the municipality

Results

Covering all of the city’s water infrastructure in one project

In line with the master planning of urban water infrastructure in Olomouc, the project’s complexity—seen in its capability to cover all elements of the city’s water supply, sewerage, stormwater network and small creeks and open drainage channels—provides valuable input to the network owners and operators. At the same time, our client was able to determine the yearly investment level needed in order to keep the infrastructure sustainable.

Based on the results of this project, a Register of Construction Works across the city has been developed using MIKE OPERATIONS as a support tool for decision making in the city.

Complete overview of current and future water supply, sewer network and open channel networks

Ability to determine yearly investment level needed for infrastructure sustainability

Empowered decision making across the city

‘ Thanks to the detailed information provided by the tool, the municipality has very good overview about both current and future stages of the water supply, sewer network, small creeks and open channel networks in the city area.’

Ing.Petra Schinneckova, Executive
Department of City Development

About the client

The municipality of Olomouc

Software used

MIKE URBAN+ (now MIKE+)
MIKE OPERATIONS

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