Water System Planning and Optimization

CMT has been a trusted water planning partner for the City of Aurora, IL, for over 40 years, assisting in the management and expansion of its 800-mile water system. As Illinois’ second most-populous city, Aurora is committed to delivering safe, high-quality water while supporting reliable fire protection, cost-effective operations, and regulatory compliance. 

The City relies on CMT’s master planning, modeling, engineering, and data-driven insights to optimize operations and prepare for future demand. Through ongoing model refinements and infrastructure assessments, CMT helps manage resources efficiently while supporting both public investments and private development. As an extension of City staff, CMT has most recently provided expertise to help keep Aurora’s water system resilient and future-ready. 

Comprehensive Water System Planning & Modeling
CMT plays a key role in providing the City with accurate and actionable data for decision-making.  

CMT’s work includes: 

• Regular Water Model Updates – CMT continually updates the City’s hydraulic model to reflect system changes and growth. 

• Data-Driven Demand Allocation – By integrating water billing data with GIS-based geolocation capabilities, CMT helps keep demand projections precise and up to date. 

• Annual Hydrant Flushing Program – Designed and managed by CMT, this program serves multiple critical functions:  

• Model Calibration – Hydrant pressure data is used to refine the City’s steady-state model, improving system reliability. 

• System Optimization – The program helps confirm valve functionality, supporting operational efficiency and resilience. 

• Field Data Collection – The flushing process allows the City to identify and collect missing GIS data, helping maintain accurate infrastructure records. 

• GIS System Enhancement – CMT originally developed the City’s Water Distribution GIS and continues to update and refine it in parallel with the modeling process, providing a powerful, data-driven foundation for planning and decision-making. 
• Development & Capital Planning Support – CMT reviews and advises on subdivision and private development expansions, offering insights that help inform capital planning decisions and long-term system investments. 

This collaboration builds on a deep legacy that includes major water supply and treatment planning efforts, such as CMT’s leadership in the major expansion of the City’s water treatment plant in the early 1990s. As Aurora continues to grow, CMT remains committed to positioning its water infrastructure for the future, delivering reliability, efficiency, and long-term sustainability.