Quick Overview
- 1#1: SewerGEMS - Comprehensive hydraulic modeling software for designing, analyzing, and managing sanitary sewer collection systems.
- 2#2: InfoSWMM - Advanced stormwater and wastewater modeling tool based on EPA SWMM for simulating collection systems and treatment.
- 3#3: Cityworks - GIS-centric asset management platform for water and wastewater utilities to streamline operations and maintenance.
- 4#4: Hach Clarity - Laboratory information management system for wastewater plants to track samples, compliance, and process data.
- 5#5: ArcGIS Utility Network - GIS-based platform for modeling, managing, and analyzing wastewater networks and assets.
- 6#6: MIKE+ - Integrated urban water modeling solution for wastewater hydraulics, planning, and real-time operations.
- 7#7: MTech Wastewater - Plant-wide control, monitoring, and reporting software tailored for wastewater treatment facilities.
- 8#8: Ignition SCADA - Unlimited scalable SCADA platform for real-time monitoring and control of wastewater processes.
- 9#9: AVEVA Plant SCADA - Robust SCADA system for enterprise-wide wastewater operations, HMI, and historian functionality.
- 10#10: VTScada - High-performance SCADA software optimized for water and wastewater monitoring, alarming, and automation.
Tools were ranked by evaluating feature robustness, technical excellence, operational ease, and overall value, ensuring alignment with the varied needs of wastewater utilities, from design to real-time monitoring and maintenance.
Comparison Table
This comparison table explores leading wastewater management software tools, including SewerGEMS, InfoSWMM, Cityworks, Hach Clarity, ArcGIS Utility Network, and more, to aid in evaluating options. It outlines key features, capabilities, and suitability for various workflows, offering a clear guide to selecting the right solution for efficient wastewater management.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | SewerGEMS Comprehensive hydraulic modeling software for designing, analyzing, and managing sanitary sewer collection systems. | enterprise | 9.6/10 | 9.8/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | InfoSWMM Advanced stormwater and wastewater modeling tool based on EPA SWMM for simulating collection systems and treatment. | enterprise | 8.8/10 | 9.4/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 3 | Cityworks GIS-centric asset management platform for water and wastewater utilities to streamline operations and maintenance. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 4 | Hach Clarity Laboratory information management system for wastewater plants to track samples, compliance, and process data. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.3/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 5 | ArcGIS Utility Network GIS-based platform for modeling, managing, and analyzing wastewater networks and assets. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 6.8/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 6 | MIKE+ Integrated urban water modeling solution for wastewater hydraulics, planning, and real-time operations. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.3/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 7 | MTech Wastewater Plant-wide control, monitoring, and reporting software tailored for wastewater treatment facilities. | specialized | 7.4/10 | 8.2/10 | 6.8/10 | 7.0/10 |
| 8 | Ignition SCADA Unlimited scalable SCADA platform for real-time monitoring and control of wastewater processes. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.6/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 9 | AVEVA Plant SCADA Robust SCADA system for enterprise-wide wastewater operations, HMI, and historian functionality. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 10 | VTScada High-performance SCADA software optimized for water and wastewater monitoring, alarming, and automation. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.2/10 | 7.8/10 |
Comprehensive hydraulic modeling software for designing, analyzing, and managing sanitary sewer collection systems.
Advanced stormwater and wastewater modeling tool based on EPA SWMM for simulating collection systems and treatment.
GIS-centric asset management platform for water and wastewater utilities to streamline operations and maintenance.
Laboratory information management system for wastewater plants to track samples, compliance, and process data.
GIS-based platform for modeling, managing, and analyzing wastewater networks and assets.
Integrated urban water modeling solution for wastewater hydraulics, planning, and real-time operations.
Plant-wide control, monitoring, and reporting software tailored for wastewater treatment facilities.
Unlimited scalable SCADA platform for real-time monitoring and control of wastewater processes.
Robust SCADA system for enterprise-wide wastewater operations, HMI, and historian functionality.
High-performance SCADA software optimized for water and wastewater monitoring, alarming, and automation.
SewerGEMS
enterpriseComprehensive hydraulic modeling software for designing, analyzing, and managing sanitary sewer collection systems.
Implicit dynamic wave engine for accurate transient flow analysis in pressurized and surcharged conditions
SewerGEMS by Bentley Systems is a leading hydraulic modeling software for sanitary sewers, storm sewers, and combined sewer systems, enabling engineers to design, analyze, and optimize wastewater infrastructure. It supports steady-state and transient flow simulations, real-time control (RTC), and hydrology modeling with tools for capacity analysis, flood routing, and pollutant tracking. Integrated with platforms like MicroStation, AutoCAD, and ArcGIS, it streamlines workflows for comprehensive wastewater management from planning to operations.
Pros
- Advanced transient and steady-state hydraulic modeling with explicit and implicit solvers
- Seamless interoperability with CAD, GIS, and BIM platforms for flexible workflows
- Powerful scenario management, reporting, and real-time control for operational optimization
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users due to extensive feature set
- High resource requirements for large network simulations
- Premium pricing may be prohibitive for small organizations
Best For
Municipal engineers and water utilities handling complex, large-scale sewer networks that require precise hydraulic analysis and GIS integration.
Pricing
Subscription-based via Bentley CONNECT licensing, starting at ~$5,000/year per user; enterprise options with perpetual licenses available upon request.
InfoSWMM
enterpriseAdvanced stormwater and wastewater modeling tool based on EPA SWMM for simulating collection systems and treatment.
EPA SWMM 5.1 engine supporting unlimited conduits, subcatchments, and advanced RDII, snowmelt, and LID modeling
InfoSWMM, developed by Autodesk, is a robust stormwater and wastewater modeling software built on the EPA SWMM engine, enabling precise simulation of hydrologic and hydraulic processes in urban drainage systems. It models sanitary sewers, combined sewers, and stormwater runoff, including dry and wet weather flows, real-time control, and pollutant transport. The software integrates seamlessly with GIS data and Autodesk tools for comprehensive infrastructure analysis and design optimization.
Pros
- Powerful EPA SWMM 5.1 engine for accurate, industry-standard simulations
- Strong GIS and CAD integration for spatial data handling
- Advanced tools for real-time control, water quality, and long-term planning
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to complex interface and modeling depth
- High subscription costs may deter small firms or individual users
- Resource-intensive for very large-scale models requiring powerful hardware
Best For
Ideal for municipal engineers, water utilities, and consulting firms managing complex urban wastewater and stormwater systems.
Pricing
Annual subscription starting at around $1,700 for basic access, up to $5,000+ for advanced editions with full features.
Cityworks
enterpriseGIS-centric asset management platform for water and wastewater utilities to streamline operations and maintenance.
Deep ESRI ArcGIS integration that embeds geospatial intelligence directly into wastewater asset workflows and reporting.
Cityworks is a GIS-centric asset management and workflow platform tailored for local governments and utilities, including comprehensive wastewater management capabilities. It enables tracking and maintenance of sewer systems, manholes, pumps, and lift stations through work orders, inspections, and preventive maintenance scheduling. The software integrates with ESRI ArcGIS for spatial data visualization and supports mobile field operations for real-time updates and compliance reporting.
Pros
- Seamless ESRI ArcGIS integration for superior spatial asset management
- Robust mobile app for field crews handling wastewater inspections and repairs
- Highly configurable workflows for custom compliance and maintenance processes
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to complex interface and customization needs
- High implementation costs and lengthy setup time
- Pricing can be prohibitive for smaller utilities
Best For
Mid-to-large municipalities with extensive wastewater infrastructure needing GIS-driven asset management.
Pricing
Quote-based SaaS pricing; typically $30,000–$150,000+ annually depending on users, modules, and assets managed.
Hach Clarity
specializedLaboratory information management system for wastewater plants to track samples, compliance, and process data.
Clarify AI engine for machine learning-based process predictions and automated optimizations
Hach Clarity is a cloud-based digital platform tailored for water and wastewater management, integrating real-time data from Hach sensors and analyzers to monitor parameters like BOD, COD, nutrients, and flow. It leverages AI-driven analytics for predictive modeling, process optimization, anomaly detection, and automated compliance reporting. The software enables operators to reduce operational costs, minimize chemical usage, and improve treatment efficiency through customizable dashboards and alerts.
Pros
- Advanced AI-powered predictive analytics and anomaly detection
- Seamless integration with Hach hardware for real-time monitoring
- Robust compliance tools and automated reporting capabilities
Cons
- Primarily optimized for Hach instrumentation, limiting flexibility
- Higher pricing may deter smaller facilities
- Advanced features require training and expertise
Best For
Large municipal wastewater treatment plants and industrial facilities using Hach sensors that need AI-driven optimization and compliance management.
Pricing
Custom subscription-based pricing, typically $20,000–$150,000+ annually depending on scale, sensors, and features.
ArcGIS Utility Network
enterpriseGIS-based platform for modeling, managing, and analyzing wastewater networks and assets.
Subnetwork controllers and dirty area management for efficient, real-time wastewater network validation and pressure/flow zoning
ArcGIS Utility Network is a GIS-centric platform from Esri designed for modeling, analyzing, and managing complex utility networks, including wastewater systems like sewers, pipes, and treatment infrastructure. It provides advanced connectivity models, subnetwork management, and tracing tools to simulate flows, detect issues, and support operational decisions. Integrated with the broader ArcGIS ecosystem, it enables field data collection, asset management, and hydraulic modeling extensions for comprehensive wastewater lifecycle management.
Pros
- Powerful network modeling with subnetworks, tiers, and associations for accurate wastewater topology
- Advanced tracing for contamination, isolation, and flow analysis
- Deep integration with Esri apps for mobile field work and dashboards
Cons
- Steep learning curve requiring GIS expertise
- High implementation and licensing costs
- Full hydraulic modeling needs additional extensions like InfoWater
Best For
Large-scale wastewater utilities with existing Esri GIS infrastructure needing enterprise-grade network analysis and scalability.
Pricing
Enterprise subscription licensing; $500-$2,000+ per user/year for Advanced/Utility Network capabilities, plus custom implementation fees.
MIKE+
enterpriseIntegrated urban water modeling solution for wastewater hydraulics, planning, and real-time operations.
Integrated 1D/2D urban flooding and wastewater modeling engine for hybrid simulations
MIKE+ is an advanced integrated modeling platform by DHI for urban water management, featuring specialized tools for wastewater networks including hydraulic simulations, capacity analysis, and real-time operations. It supports 1D/2D hydrodynamic modeling, GIS integration, and scenario planning to optimize sewer systems and mitigate overflows. Ideal for engineers tackling complex wastewater challenges in urban environments.
Pros
- Powerful 1D/2D/hybrid hydraulic modeling for accurate wastewater simulations
- Seamless GIS and real-time data integration for operational insights
- Comprehensive scenario analysis for planning and flood risk assessment
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to advanced technical complexity
- High licensing costs may deter smaller utilities
- Resource-intensive for large-scale models requiring high-end hardware
Best For
Large municipalities and engineering consultancies managing complex urban wastewater networks with needs for detailed hydrodynamic modeling.
Pricing
Enterprise licensing with custom quotes; modular subscriptions typically start at $15,000+ annually depending on features and users.
MTech Wastewater
specializedPlant-wide control, monitoring, and reporting software tailored for wastewater treatment facilities.
Specialized wastewater asset management with detailed tracking for manholes, pumps, and inflow/infiltration analysis
MTech Wastewater is a specialized CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management System) designed for wastewater collection systems, providing tools for work order management, asset tracking, preventive maintenance, and infrastructure inspections. It supports utilities in managing pipes, pumps, manholes, and lift stations while generating compliance reports for regulatory requirements. The platform integrates with GIS for spatial data and SCADA for real-time monitoring, helping optimize operations and reduce emergency responses.
Pros
- Highly specialized for wastewater collection systems with tailored asset modules
- Robust reporting and compliance tools for regulations like EPA standards
- Seamless GIS and SCADA integrations for enhanced data visibility
Cons
- Dated user interface that may require training
- Limited scalability for very large enterprises
- Custom pricing lacks transparency and can be high for small utilities
Best For
Mid-sized municipal wastewater utilities focused on collection system maintenance and compliance.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; modular licensing starts around $5,000-$20,000 annually depending on users and modules.
Ignition SCADA
enterpriseUnlimited scalable SCADA platform for real-time monitoring and control of wastewater processes.
Unlimited licensing model that eliminates scaling costs as your wastewater operations grow
Ignition SCADA by Inductive Automation is a modular, web-based platform designed for industrial automation, providing real-time monitoring, control, HMI visualization, alarming, and historical data trending. In wastewater management, it excels at integrating with PLCs and sensors to oversee processes like pump stations, treatment tanks, flow measurement, and water quality parameters such as pH, dissolved oxygen, and turbidity. Its unlimited licensing model allows scaling from small facilities to enterprise-wide deployments without per-tag or per-client fees, making it versatile for SCADA applications in utilities.
Pros
- Unlimited tags, clients, and users for exceptional scalability
- Robust integration with databases, PLCs, and IoT devices
- Modular architecture with Perspective (modern web HMI) and Vision modules
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-programmers due to scripting needs
- Requires solid IT infrastructure for optimal performance
- Lacks pre-built wastewater-specific templates or plugins
Best For
Experienced SCADA engineers and wastewater plant operators seeking a highly customizable, enterprise-grade platform for monitoring and control.
Pricing
Subscription-based (Silver/Gold/Platinum tiers starting at ~$1,100/gateway/month annually); free Maker's Edition for development; no per-tag or client fees.
AVEVA Plant SCADA
enterpriseRobust SCADA system for enterprise-wide wastewater operations, HMI, and historian functionality.
Unlimited redundancy servers and hot standby failover for 99.99% uptime in critical wastewater control environments
AVEVA Plant SCADA is a high-performance SCADA system tailored for industrial automation, including wastewater management, providing real-time monitoring, control, and data acquisition from sensors, PLCs, and RTUs across treatment plants and distribution networks. It excels in visualizing processes like flow monitoring, level control, and chemical dosing while offering alarming, historian, and reporting tools for regulatory compliance. The software supports scalable deployments from single plants to enterprise-wide systems, integrating with AVEVA's broader industrial software ecosystem.
Pros
- Highly scalable for large wastewater networks with unlimited tags and trends
- Robust redundancy and high-availability features for mission-critical operations
- Advanced HMI graphics and analytics for process optimization
Cons
- Steep learning curve requiring specialized training
- High upfront costs and complex deployment
- Limited out-of-the-box mobile support compared to modern cloud-native solutions
Best For
Large-scale municipal or industrial wastewater facilities needing reliable, enterprise-grade SCADA for complex, distributed operations.
Pricing
Custom enterprise licensing; perpetual or subscription models starting at $20,000+ for basic setups, scaling to six figures for full deployments.
VTScada
enterpriseHigh-performance SCADA software optimized for water and wastewater monitoring, alarming, and automation.
Driverless I/O Server enabling seamless connectivity to over 200 protocols without additional drivers or per-device fees
VTScada is a high-performance SCADA platform from Trihedral Engineering, specializing in real-time monitoring, control, and automation for industrial applications like wastewater management. It excels in supervising treatment processes, pump stations, and distribution systems with features like advanced alarming, historical trending, and driverless connectivity to PLCs and field devices. Designed for scalability, it supports unlimited tags and redundancy, making it suitable for water and wastewater utilities handling complex operations.
Pros
- Unlimited tags and scalable architecture for large wastewater facilities
- Driverless I/O connectivity to hundreds of protocols without extra licensing
- Robust redundancy, alarming, and reporting tailored for 24/7 operations
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to advanced configuration and scripting needs
- Custom quote-based pricing lacks transparency for smaller budgets
- Primarily Windows-centric with limited native mobile/cross-platform support
Best For
Mid-to-large wastewater treatment plants and utilities needing enterprise-grade SCADA for real-time process control and integration.
Pricing
Quote-based; perpetual runtime licenses start around $10,000+, plus development tools and annual support (typically 20% of license cost).
Conclusion
This review highlights the top tools reshaping wastewater management, with SewerGEMS leading as the most comprehensive option for designing and managing sanitary sewer systems. InfoSWMM stands out for its advanced stormwater and wastewater modeling capabilities, while Cityworks excels as a GIS-centric asset management platform, catering to different operational needs. Together, these tools underscore the diversity of solutions available for optimizing wastewater processes.
Don’t miss out on streamlining your operations—explore SewerGEMS, the top-ranked software, and discover how it can elevate your wastewater management efficiency today.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison