Broomfield, Colorado USA, August 23, 2006 - MWH Soft, a leading global provider of environmental and water resources applications software, today announced the worldwide release of InfoWater UDF Suite, which combines the company's state-of-the-art geocentric solution for unidirectional flushing of drinking water distribution systems with a new field journal designed to guide field personnel in planning and implementing the optimal sequence of unidirectional flushing.

InfoWater UDF delivers unprecedented power and flexibility in managing the systematic flushing of water distribution systems to remove stagnant water along with mineral and sediment deposits that accumulate over time-restoring hydraulic capacity and improving water quality.

The hydraulic carrying capacity of pipes deteriorates with age, proportionate to the corrosive nature of the water and surrounding soils. Precipitation, microbiological activity and corrosion may all form deposits on the pipe walls. These accumulations increase hydraulic roughness and reduce the cross-sectional area and hydraulic carrying capacity of the mains. A loss in carrying capacity can lead to low pressures and the inability to deliver fire flows, especially during high demand periods. Slow-moving water can also result in a loss of chlorine residuals at stagnant spots, creating a public health risk. Problems associated with water quality degradation are particularly acute in dead-end lines and low-demand portions of water distribution systems.

Unidirectional flushing (UDF) is the most effective way to clean water mains to maintain water quality and system capacity. It also requires the least water of any cleaning method. In this process, valves are closed and hydrants opened to create a one-way flow that removes built-up sediment in the water mains. This high-speed flushing (5 to 6 ft/sec) maximizes the shear velocity near the pipe wall, producing a scouring action that effectively removes sediment deposits and biofilm.

Among its numerous advantages, UDF can help improve water quality by restoring disinfectant residual, reducing bacterial regrowth, dislodging biofilms, removing sediments and deposits, controlling corrosion, restoring flows and pressures, eliminating taste and odor problems, and reducing disinfectant demand throughout the system. These benefits prolong the life expectancy of the distribution system and reduce the potential for waterborne disease outbreaks.

Built atop ArcGIS (ESRI, Redlands, California), InfoWater UDF Suite seamlessly integrates advanced dynamic water network modeling with the latest generation of ESRI GIS technology. The groundbreaking application capitalizes on the intelligence and versatility of the GIS geodatabase architecture to help water utilities develop flushing sequences for each flushing zone, quickly identify which fire hydrants and water main valves should be manipulated for proper cleaning without excessive pressure drops (e.g., below 20 psi), and maintain the desired level of hydraulic performance in the system.

The program accurately considers the temporal variation in flow velocity magnitude and direction due to changes in demands, tank levels and operating conditions. It also computes minimum flushing time, total flushing volume and pipe length, flushing velocity of every pipe in the sequence, and available fire flow at the minimum residual pressure. The hydraulic impact of each flushing sequence is also monitored to ensure that the desired minimum pressure is maintained throughout the system.

The new field journal (or flush book) contains all the information a water utility requires to effectively implement an optimal unidirectional flushing program for maximum cleaning at maximum cost savings. A detailed, complete series of graphical maps and technical data sheets graphically show the fire hydrants and valves that must be manipulated for systematic, unidirectional cleaning of each flushing zone and flush sequence analyzed. The journal also reports important information such as pressure and flow, flushing volume, flushing duration, and water quality.

"No company in the field of water distribution modeling software has introduced more high value geocentric innovations and done more to bring users together and build a community whose value grows exponentially with its own growth," said Paul F. Boulos, Ph.D, President and COO of MWH Soft. "Our customers have been asking for this important modeling capability. We created InfoWater UDF Suite to make planning and implementing unidirectional flushing programs easier, faster and more reliable than ever before. It is the ultimate approach to developing the most effective flushing program to sustain safer, more reliable drinking water supply infrastructures. We are proud to introduce another groundbreaking product that will make an immediate difference in people's lives, our communities, and our society."

Pricing and Availability
I nfoWater UDF Suite is now available worldwide by subscription to the Platinum program. Prices start at $7,000. For the latest information on the MWH Soft Subscription Program, including availability and purchase requirements, visit www.mwhsoft.com or contact your local MWH Soft Certified Representative.

About MWH Soft
MWH Soft is a leading global provider of technical and infrastructure software and professional solutions designed to meet the technological needs of utilities, government industries, and engineering organizations worldwide. Its clients include the majority of the largest North American cities and ENR top design firms. The multifaceted, state-of-the-art CAD and GIS enabled products created by MWH Soft empower thousands of engineers across the globe to competitively manage, design, and operate highly efficient and reliable infrastructure systems. For more information, call MWH Soft at (626) 568-6868, or visit www.mwhsoft.com .

MWH Soft Contact
J. Erick Heath, PE
Vice President of Sales and Client Relations
Email Contact
(626) 568-6868