• InfoWorks WS Pro

InfoWorks WS Pro

InfoWorks WS Pro is a collaborative hydraulic modeling software used to improve the reliability of water distribution networks and maintenance of service levels while ensuring water quality and increased customer satisfaction.


Course overview

With InfoWorks WS Pro, hydraulic modelers can efficiently design networks (pipes, pumps, tanks), accurately simulate operations (pump/valve control, flushing, water quality, emergency response, leak identification), and conveniently assess network resilience (criticality analysis for both pipes and valves). 

This dynamic tool allows multiple teams to collaborate on the same modeling projects simultaneously using a proprietary engine that is suited for any model type and size. Modelers can keep track of changes, and reverse changes as necessary, to improve overall efficiency. 

With GIS and telemetry connections, modeling teams can trust InfoWorks WS Pro results will represent the real water system and be able to understand system behavior to improve infrastructure decision making. These decision improvements will be observed across a wide range of water projects, from planning and design to operations and maintenance.

After completing this course, you'll be able to:

  • Build a hydraulic model in InfoWorks WS Pro that represents a real water system.
  • Develop what-if scenarios to test a wide range of water system alternatives.
  • Set up steady-state and extended-period simulation runs and review results.
  • Perform a wide range of network assessments including fire flow analysis, demand area analysis, transient analysis, and critical link analysis.

Course outline

50 min.

Hydraulic theory for water distribution

An introduction to InfoWorks WS Pro—a collaborative tool for modeling and analyzing water distribution systems. Get to know the product interface and flexible database system and brush up on the hydraulic theories behind its powerful calculations.

An introduction to InfoWorks WS Pro—a collaborative tool for modeling and analyzing water distribution systems. Get to know the product interface and flexible database system and brush up on the hydraulic theories behind its powerful calculations.

After completing, you'll be able to:

  • Discover the functionalities of InfoWorks WS Pro and its advantages in engineering water distribution systems, as well as the hydraulic theories behind it.
  • Identify network models and discover how they are used to simulate pressurized water distribution systems by defining nodes, links, water sources, and more.
  • Learn to navigate the InfoWorks WS Pro user interface and the GeoPlan, where models are built, simulated, and analyzed.


48 min.

Getting started with InfoWorks WS Pro

Learn how InfoWorks WS Pro stores and orders data in a database. Also discover how objects are grouped, and the importance of the network, control, demand diagram, run group, and more.

Learn how InfoWorks WS Pro stores and orders data in a database. Also discover how objects are grouped, and the importance of the network, control, demand diagram, run group, and more.

After completing, you'll be able to:

  • Discover the relationship between a network, control, and demand diagram in a model and begin working with databases, objects, and simulation results.
  • Apply demand and leakage to a model, and locate specific objects and properties.
  • Utilize selection lists to create demand management areas, as well as tracing tools to view the direction of water flow.


52 min.

Modifying InfoWorks WS Pro models

The version-control systems within WS Pro allow for a multi-user environment that tracks users’ model edits, as well as a full revision history.

The version-control systems within WS Pro allow for a multi-user environment that tracks users’ model edits, as well as a full revision history.

After completing, you'll be able to:

  • Utilize the control systems in WS Pro for a multi-user environment.
  • Associate a control and/or a demand diagram with a network, and validate a model to prepare it for a simulation run.
  • Successfully run a model through a simulation.


1 hr.

Modeling scenarios in InfoWorks WS Pro

Learn to use scenarios to model variations of a network. Scenarios allow users to plan and run “what-if” analyses and possible future design iterations for a model.

Learn to use scenarios to model variations of a network. Scenarios allow users to plan and run “what-if” analyses and possible future design iterations for a model.

After completing, you'll be able to:

  • Create and manage scenarios, perform hydraulic runs with multiple scenarios, and compare the results in a graph.
  • Work with scenarios to adjust objects or make changes to a control in a network, and use SQL to query model data and set the properties of a network and control.
  • Apply themes to a model to see a graphical representation of how different objects perform during a simulation.


48 min.

Working with demand on water networks

InfoWorks WS Pro accounts for the demand on water networks, which can vary over time. Learn how to calculate the water that is required by users, and how demand impacts the network both positively or negatively at a given point and time.

InfoWorks WS Pro accounts for the demand on water networks, which can vary over time. Learn how to calculate the water that is required by users, and how demand impacts the network both positively or negatively at a given point and time.

After completing, you'll be able to:

  • Discover how WS Pro can be used to allocate demand in a network, and work within the Demand Diagram and categorize demand.
  • Ceate new demand objects and connect them to existing networks, and create new demand categories using direct, manual data links.
  • Graph alternate results based on simulations of planned, allocated demand.


48 min.

Backgrounds and themes in the InfoWorks WS Pro GeoPlan

Work with the GeoPlan in WS Pro to show a geographical representation of a water supply network over a background layer. Maps, raster images, aerial photographs, digital elevation maps, and other additional geographical data can enhance model visualization.

Work with the GeoPlan in WS Pro to show a geographical representation of a water supply network over a background layer. Maps, raster images, aerial photographs, digital elevation maps, and other additional geographical data can enhance model visualization.

After completing, you'll be able to:

  • Import and work with background layers, such as an aerial photograph, digital elevation map, or other additional geographical data, add clarity to water supply network models.
  • Configure background layers, set zoom levels, and create and load layer lists.
  • Use themes to create custom network displays and label settings that make it easier to visually review and understand simulation results.


35 min.

Water quality modelling in InfoWorks WS Pro

InfoWorks WS Pro accounts for the demand on water networks, which can vary over time. Learn how to calculate the water that is required by users, and how demand impacts the network both positively or negatively at a given point and time.

Learn to use the dynamic water quality modeling tools in InfoWorks WS Pro for hydraulic simulations. Track the fate of a dissolved substance in a network, discover changes in water age, or analyze turbidity, among other water quality simulations.

After completing, you'll be able to:

  • Discover the water quality modeling tools and configure a hydraulic model for a water quality analysis.
  • Model additive concentrations such as chlorine, then run the simulation and animate the results.
  • Simulate pollutant concentrations or turbidity, then graph or animate the results.


20 min.

Importing and exporting data for water networks

When using InfoWorks WS Pro, a great number of objects can be updated simultaneously using the Open Data Import Centre, which contains many ways to control data imports. 

When using InfoWorks WS Pro, a great number of objects can be updated simultaneously using the Open Data Import Centre, which contains many ways to control data imports. 

After completing, you'll be able to:

  • Update objects in a model with imported data.
  • Create selection lists with imported data.
  • Export both time varying and summary data.


12 min.

Drain down and recharge of a water network

InfoWorks WS Pro allows you to simulate the drain down and recharge of the water network, which occurs when the network is no longer fully pressurized.

InfoWorks WS Pro allows you to simulate the drain down and recharge of the water network, which occurs when the network is no longer fully pressurized.

After completing, you'll be able to:

  • Understand how InfoWorks WS Pro simulates drain down and recharge.
  • Simulate drain down and recharge within a network. 


48 min.

Working with live data in InfoWorks WS Pro

Learn how InfoWorks WS Pro can link to many different types of live databases. Live data connections can range in complexity from using relatively simple CSV data to more complicated remote servers. This curated list is intended to be worked through in sequential order due to the nature of using live data in InfoWorks WS Pro.

Learn how InfoWorks WS Pro can link to many different types of live databases. Live data connections can range in complexity from using relatively simple CSV data to more complicated remote servers. This curated list is intended to be worked through in sequential order due to the nature of using live data in InfoWorks WS Pro.

After completing, you'll be able to:

  • Discover how live data works with a hydraulic model and learn to connect a network to live data.
  • Set up both a live data configuration and a live data feed.
  • Perform a run with live data points in a network and then graph their results.


15 min.

Modelling pumping stations in InfoWorks WS Pro

Model pumps and pumping stations in InfoWorks WS Pro. Pumps are widely used in water supply systems for the collection and transport of water from wells, the distribution of clean water, and to boost pressure in the network.

Model pumps and pumping stations in InfoWorks WS Pro. Pumps are widely used in water supply systems for the collection and transport of water from wells, the distribution of clean water, and to boost pressure in the network.

After completing, you'll be able to:

  • Describe pumps and pumping stations and how they function within the water supply system model.
  • Identify the requirements of a pump and pump curve.
  • Create a pump curve and add a pump to the model.


20 min.

Performing fire flow analysis in InfoWorks WS Pro

In InfoWorks WS Pro, users can simulate fire flow availability, hydrant testing, and forced fire flow. Fire flow analyses are an integral part of water supply modelling to ensure that adequate flow and pressure is available for firefighting compliance, and to ensure hydrants can supply enough water and pressure during emergencies.

In InfoWorks WS Pro, users can simulate fire flow availability, hydrant testing, and forced fire flow. Fire flow analyses are an integral part of water supply modelling to ensure that adequate flow and pressure is available for firefighting compliance, and to ensure hydrants can supply enough water and pressure during emergencies.

After completing, you'll be able to:

  • Understand how InfoWorks WS Pro models fire flow, to ensure adequate flow and pressure during emergency situations.
  • Run a fire flow availability simulation and test hydrants for compliance.
  • Perform a forced fire flow simulation in order to locate points of failure in the system.


20 min.

Cleaning water networks using flushing simulations

Flushing Simulations in InfoWorks WS Pro allow users to model the effects of flushes to clean a network. Users can evaluate the effectiveness of flushing actions to limit the amount of water used in flushing, as well as calculate and check action timings in the flushing schedule.

Flushing Simulations in InfoWorks WS Pro allow users to model the effects of flushes to clean a network. Users can evaluate the effectiveness of flushing actions to limit the amount of water used in flushing, as well as calculate and check action timings in the flushing schedule.

After completing, you'll be able to:

  • Describe how InfoWorks WS Pro models the effectiveness of flushing simulations within a network.
  • Set up flushing simulations and flushing schedules. 


50 min.

Performing demand area analysis in InfoWorks WS Pro

Modeling the spatial and temporal characteristics of demand for water is critical when representing water supply systems. This functionality in InfoWorks WS Pro helps users determine the unprofiled demand that would otherwise be carried out as a separate task prior to modeling the water supply system.

Modeling the spatial and temporal characteristics of demand for water is critical when representing water supply systems. This functionality in InfoWorks WS Pro helps users determine the unprofiled demand that would otherwise be carried out as a separate task prior to modeling the water supply system.

After completing, you'll be able to:

  • Learn to use Demand Area Analysis in InfoWorks WS Pro to model the spatial and temporal characteristics of demand for water.
  • Generate and validate demand areas, and configure demand area parameters, boundary definitions for calculations.
  • Work with live data in the demand area to simulate and interpret flow and pressure outputs, expected leakage, target points, and more to manage the demand area.


23 min.

Performing transient analysis in InfoWorks WS Pro

Learn how pressure fluctuations can cause hydraulic transients—also known as water hammer or surge—and how to implement optimal methods to alleviate them.

Learn how pressure fluctuations can cause hydraulic transients—also known as water hammer or surge—and how to implement optimal methods to alleviate them.

After completing, you'll be able to:

  • Define hydraulic transients in InfoWorks WS Pro models and run a transient systems simulation.
  • Visualize the results of a transient systems analysis to easily detect potential problem areas.
  • Create a surge protection device to control transients in the hydraulic model.


40 min.

Visualization using Generalized Multi-Run simulations

In InfoWorks WS Pro, a generalized multi-run, or GMR, creates a simulation that runs multiple test cases. Using GMR allows you to visualize a great number of simulation possibilities.

In InfoWorks WS Pro, a generalized multi-run, or GMR, creates a simulation that runs multiple test cases. Using GMR allows you to visualize a great number of simulation possibilities.

After completing, you'll be able to:

  • Discover the power and efficiency of the generalized multi-run simulation capability in InfoWorks WS Pro.
  • Set up test cases, configure the GMR results and analysis, and run a GMR simulation.
  • Utilize GMR simulations for pipe break assessments and hydrant testing.


15 min.

Running critical link analysis and shutdown simulations

InfoWorks WS Pro’s critical link analysis, or CLA, run type allows for automated testing and reporting of the effects of failure on a selection of links. Learn how to define and run CLA simulations to determine the time of outage and method of failure.

InfoWorks WS Pro’s critical link analysis, or CLA, run type allows for automated testing and reporting of the effects of failure on a selection of links. Learn how to define and run CLA simulations to determine the time of outage and method of failure.

After completing, you'll be able to:

  • Describe how InfoWorks WS Pro’s critical link analysis allows automated testing and reporting of a selection of links.
  • Run a CLA simulation, review the options, and interpret the results.
  • Update the criticality and apply a theme that shows the results of a critical link analysis.


15 min.

Automatic calibration simulations for InfoWorks WS Pro mains models

InfoWorks WS Pro provides an automatic calibration facility to help speed up work on models where friction factors have a predominant role in calibrating real-life networks. It is especially well-suited for all-mains models.

InfoWorks WS Pro provides an automatic calibration facility to help speed up work on models where friction factors have a predominant role in calibrating real-life networks. It is especially well-suited for all-mains models.

After completing, you'll be able to:

  • Discover how the automatic calibration function in InfoWorks WS Pro can help with models that have high friction factors.
  • Since live data is necessary for a calibration run, learn how to set up the live data.
  • Assess the need for a calibration run, and then run the automatic calibration simulation to update the friction factors.


15 min.

Multi Solute Water Quality simulations for complex reactions

The Multi Solute Water Quality (MSQ) function in InfoWorks WS Pro allows users to model complex reactions between multiple chemical and biological species. MSQ provides the ability to model several interacting chemicals in the water system.

The Multi Solute Water Quality (MSQ) function in InfoWorks WS Pro allows users to model complex reactions between multiple chemical and biological species. MSQ provides the ability to model several interacting chemicals in the water system.

After completing, you'll be able to:

  • Describe how the Multi Solute Water Quality feature in InfoWorks WS Pro allows for the modelling of complex reactions.
  • Configure and run an MSQ simulation that doses the network with contaminants, then analyze the results.


22 min.

Structured Query Language in InfoWorks WS Pro

For faster data management, WS Pro offers Structured Query Language (SQL) tools for data insert, query, update and delete, schema creation and modification, and data access control.

For faster data management, WS Pro offers Structured Query Language (SQL) tools for data insert, query, update and delete, schema creation and modification, and data access control.

After completing, you'll be able to:

  • Describe SQLs and how they are applied in WS Pro, then build a simple SQL query to find and select objects.
  • Use SQL queries to build selection sets, update networks, and analyze simulation results.
  • Build complex SQL queries.


11 min.

User Programmable Controls (UPC) Scripts in InfoWorks WS Pro

Learn how to leverage UPC scripts to control regulator elements based on information from sensors elsewhere in the network.

Learn how to leverage UPC scripts to control regulator elements based on information from sensors elsewhere in the network.

After completing, you'll be able to:

  • Describe UPC scripts and how they are applied in WS Pro.
  • Apply a UPC script to a pump station and visualize the results.
  • Apply a UPC script to a valve and visualize the results.


23 min.

Specialized Simulations in InfoWorks WS Pro

There are several specialized simulations that can be performed in InfoWorks WS Pro that yield specific data, including System Head Curves, Pressure Related Demand, Sustainability, Disconnected Systems, and Price of Water Analysis. Learning to configure these simulations properly helps to generate accurate data results.

There are several specialized simulations that can be performed in InfoWorks WS Pro that yield specific data, including System Head Curves, Pressure Related Demand, Sustainability, Disconnected Systems, and Price of Water Analysis. Learning to configure these simulations properly helps to generate accurate data results.

After completing, you'll be able to:

  • Learn to run basic specialized simulations, such as a system head curve simulation, a sustainability analysis, and a disconnected systems analysis.
  • Describe what pressure related demand is and run a basic pressure related demand simulation.
  • Conduct a Price of Water analysis in WS Pro to calculate the cost of water imported to or exported from the water supply system.


11 min.

Administrator’s Implementation Guide for InfoWorks WS Pro

As an administrator, learn how to manage your team's implementation of InfoWorks WS Pro. Depending on whether you require multi-user access, you can choose to maintain a standalone, workgroup, or cloud database. Learn where data is stored, how to share it, and how to perform data transfers.

As an administrator, learn how to manage your team's implementation of InfoWorks WS Pro. Depending on whether you require multi-user access, you can choose to maintain a standalone, workgroup, or cloud database. Learn where data is stored, how to share it, and how to perform data transfers.

After completing, you'll be able to:

  • Identify WS Pro versions and maintain database compatibility.
  • Understand how WS Pro data is stored and shared.
  • Explain the advantages of using a workgroup database.
  • Explain the advantages of using a cloud database.