Quick Overview
- 1#1: Hach WIMS - Provides comprehensive data acquisition, analysis, and reporting for optimizing wastewater treatment plant operations and ensuring regulatory compliance.
- 2#2: BioWin - Advanced dynamic simulator for modeling biological wastewater treatment processes to support design, operation, and optimization.
- 3#3: GPS-X - Modular platform for simulating physical, chemical, and biological processes in municipal and industrial wastewater treatment.
- 4#4: WEST - Dynamic modeling and simulation software for whole wastewater treatment systems including advanced process control.
- 5#5: SewerGEMS - Engineering software for hydraulic modeling and analysis of sanitary sewers and stormwater systems.
- 6#6: InfoWorks ICM - Integrated modeling solution for urban drainage, wastewater networks, and flood management.
- 7#7: MIKE URBAN - Comprehensive urban water modeling for wastewater collection, treatment, and real-time control.
- 8#8: SUMO - User-friendly, high-performance simulator for wastewater treatment plant calibration and optimization.
- 9#9: CapdetWorks - Automated tool for preliminary design and evaluation of wastewater treatment plant configurations.
- 10#10: WaterTrax - Cloud-based platform for real-time data management, compliance reporting, and analytics in wastewater operations.
These tools were ranked based on key attributes: robust functionality (including simulation, data integration, and reporting), user-friendliness, technical reliability, and overall value, ensuring they cater to diverse needs in municipal and industrial wastewater management.
Comparison Table
Wastewater treatment software plays a critical role in optimizing processes, and this comparison table explores key tools like Hach WIMS, BioWin, GPS-X, WEST, SewerGEMS, and more, breaking down their features, use cases, and performance. Readers will discover how to select the right software for their specific needs, from real-time monitoring to long-term process design, by assessing each solution’s unique strengths and applications.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hach WIMS Provides comprehensive data acquisition, analysis, and reporting for optimizing wastewater treatment plant operations and ensuring regulatory compliance. | specialized | 9.7/10 | 9.9/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | BioWin Advanced dynamic simulator for modeling biological wastewater treatment processes to support design, operation, and optimization. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.6/10 | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | GPS-X Modular platform for simulating physical, chemical, and biological processes in municipal and industrial wastewater treatment. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.4/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 4 | WEST Dynamic modeling and simulation software for whole wastewater treatment systems including advanced process control. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.4/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 5 | SewerGEMS Engineering software for hydraulic modeling and analysis of sanitary sewers and stormwater systems. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.2/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 6 | InfoWorks ICM Integrated modeling solution for urban drainage, wastewater networks, and flood management. | enterprise | 8.3/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.1/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 7 | MIKE URBAN Comprehensive urban water modeling for wastewater collection, treatment, and real-time control. | enterprise | 7.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 6.5/10 | 7.2/10 |
| 8 | SUMO User-friendly, high-performance simulator for wastewater treatment plant calibration and optimization. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 9 | CapdetWorks Automated tool for preliminary design and evaluation of wastewater treatment plant configurations. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.0/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 10 | WaterTrax Cloud-based platform for real-time data management, compliance reporting, and analytics in wastewater operations. | enterprise | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.6/10 |
Provides comprehensive data acquisition, analysis, and reporting for optimizing wastewater treatment plant operations and ensuring regulatory compliance.
Advanced dynamic simulator for modeling biological wastewater treatment processes to support design, operation, and optimization.
Modular platform for simulating physical, chemical, and biological processes in municipal and industrial wastewater treatment.
Dynamic modeling and simulation software for whole wastewater treatment systems including advanced process control.
Engineering software for hydraulic modeling and analysis of sanitary sewers and stormwater systems.
Integrated modeling solution for urban drainage, wastewater networks, and flood management.
Comprehensive urban water modeling for wastewater collection, treatment, and real-time control.
User-friendly, high-performance simulator for wastewater treatment plant calibration and optimization.
Automated tool for preliminary design and evaluation of wastewater treatment plant configurations.
Cloud-based platform for real-time data management, compliance reporting, and analytics in wastewater operations.
Hach WIMS
specializedProvides comprehensive data acquisition, analysis, and reporting for optimizing wastewater treatment plant operations and ensuring regulatory compliance.
Advanced QA/QC data validation engine that automatically detects and corrects anomalies across disparate data sources for unparalleled accuracy.
Hach WIMS is a comprehensive water information management system (WIMS) designed specifically for wastewater treatment plants and utilities. It automates the collection, validation, analysis, and reporting of data from lab instruments, online sensors, SCADA systems, and manual entries. The platform enables process optimization, predictive maintenance, regulatory compliance, and energy efficiency through advanced analytics and customizable dashboards.
Pros
- Seamless integration with SCADA, LIMS, and Hach analyzers for real-time data handling
- Powerful QA/QC validation and advanced analytics for process optimization
- Automated regulatory reporting and compliance tools tailored to wastewater standards
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex initial configuration
- High upfront implementation and customization costs
- Limited native mobile app functionality
Best For
Large-scale municipal or industrial wastewater treatment facilities needing enterprise-grade data management and optimization.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing based on facility size, number of data tags, and modules; typically perpetual licenses with annual maintenance fees starting at $50,000+ (quote required).
BioWin
specializedAdvanced dynamic simulator for modeling biological wastewater treatment processes to support design, operation, and optimization.
Advanced BioWin Controller module for simulating and designing plant-wide automation and control strategies
BioWin, developed by EnviroSim Associates, is a professional-grade wastewater treatment simulation software focused on modeling biological processes in activated sludge systems, membrane bioreactors, and nutrient removal plants. It enables steady-state and dynamic simulations to design, optimize, and troubleshoot wastewater treatment facilities using industry-standard Activated Sludge Models (ASMs). The software includes advanced tools for calibration, sensitivity analysis, and controller design, making it a staple for environmental engineers worldwide.
Pros
- Extensive library of validated ASM models for accurate biological simulations
- Powerful dynamic modeling for process optimization and what-if scenarios
- Robust calibration tools and integration with Sumo cloud platform
Cons
- Steep learning curve requiring wastewater engineering expertise
- High upfront and maintenance licensing costs
- Limited built-in hydraulics modeling compared to full plant simulators
Best For
Experienced wastewater treatment engineers and researchers optimizing biological nutrient removal processes in municipal or industrial plants.
Pricing
Node-locked or network licenses starting at ~$5,000-$15,000 annually depending on modules and users; custom quotes required.
GPS-X
specializedModular platform for simulating physical, chemical, and biological processes in municipal and industrial wastewater treatment.
Integrated full-plant dynamic simulation with programmable control systems and detailed settler modeling
GPS-X by Hydromantis is an advanced wastewater treatment simulation software designed for modeling complex biological, chemical, and physical processes in municipal and industrial treatment plants. It supports steady-state and dynamic simulations using industry-standard models like ASM, ADM, and TUD, enabling users to optimize plant design, performance, and control strategies. The software excels in full-plant modeling, including hydraulics, primary/secondary clarification, and advanced nutrient removal systems.
Pros
- Highly accurate dynamic simulations with extensive model library (ASM/ADM/TDH)
- Comprehensive plant-wide modeling including hydraulics and control logic
- Robust calibration tools and scenario analysis for optimization
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users due to complex interface
- High upfront licensing costs
- Limited cloud-based or mobile accessibility
Best For
Experienced wastewater engineers and consulting firms requiring detailed dynamic modeling for plant design and troubleshooting.
Pricing
Perpetual licenses start at around $15,000-$30,000 depending on modules, plus annual maintenance fees; custom quotes required.
WEST
specializedDynamic modeling and simulation software for whole wastewater treatment systems including advanced process control.
Integrated plant-wide dynamic simulator with advanced optimizers for BSM2 benchmarks and real-time control strategy testing
WEST, developed by Hydromantis, is a professional-grade dynamic simulation software for modeling wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). It enables detailed plant-wide simulations of biological, chemical, and hydraulic processes using standardized models like ASM series. Users can perform calibration, optimization, scenario analysis, and control strategy evaluation to enhance WWTP performance and regulatory compliance.
Pros
- Highly accurate dynamic plant-wide modeling with ASM and other standard models
- Powerful built-in optimization and calibration tools
- Extensive support for research, design, and operational improvements
Cons
- Steep learning curve requiring wastewater modeling expertise
- Complex interface less intuitive for beginners
- High licensing costs with custom pricing
Best For
Experienced wastewater engineers and researchers focused on advanced dynamic simulations and optimization of treatment plants.
Pricing
Custom enterprise licensing starting at several thousand USD per user/module; contact sales for quotes based on configuration.
SewerGEMS
enterpriseEngineering software for hydraulic modeling and analysis of sanitary sewers and stormwater systems.
Dual solver engines (implicit and explicit) for accurate modeling of pressurized and gravity flows in complex sewer networks
SewerGEMS by Bentley Systems is a robust hydraulic modeling software specialized in sanitary sewers, storm sewers, and combined sewer systems for wastewater collection networks. It supports steady-state, extended-period, and transient flow simulations, enabling engineers to design, analyze, and optimize infrastructure under various conditions. While highly capable for conveyance modeling, it offers limited direct support for wastewater treatment plant processes like biological or chemical simulations.
Pros
- Advanced hydraulic solvers for steady, unsteady, and surcharge flows
- Seamless integration with AutoCAD, MicroStation, and ArcGIS
- Powerful scenario management and calibration tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-expert users
- High subscription costs for smaller organizations
- Limited capabilities for on-site treatment plant modeling
Best For
Civil engineers and municipal utilities focused on wastewater collection system design and hydraulic analysis.
Pricing
Subscription-based via Bentley SELECT; starts at ~$4,000-$10,000 annually depending on modules and users, with custom enterprise quotes.
InfoWorks ICM
enterpriseIntegrated modeling solution for urban drainage, wastewater networks, and flood management.
Seamless integrated 1D/2D modeling of sewers, rivers, and surface flooding in a single dynamic simulation environment
InfoWorks ICM, developed by Autodesk, is a powerful hydraulic modeling software designed for simulating urban drainage, wastewater collection systems, stormwater management, and river flooding. It supports integrated catchment modeling (ICM) with 1D/2D solvers, enabling detailed analysis of sewer networks, overflows, and system performance under various scenarios. While excellent for wastewater conveyance and planning up to treatment plant interfaces, it is less focused on detailed biological or chemical treatment processes within plants.
Pros
- Advanced 1D/2D hydraulic modeling for complex networks
- Handles large-scale simulations with adaptive time-stepping for efficiency
- Strong integration with GIS, real-time data, and Autodesk tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-experts
- High enterprise-level pricing
- Limited capabilities for in-plant wastewater treatment process modeling
Best For
Large water utilities, engineering consultancies, and municipal agencies managing extensive urban wastewater collection and flood risk systems.
Pricing
Custom enterprise subscriptions via Autodesk; typically starts at $10,000+ annually per user/license, quote required.
MIKE URBAN
enterpriseComprehensive urban water modeling for wastewater collection, treatment, and real-time control.
Dual drainage modeling that uniquely integrates underground sewer hydraulics with overland surface flow simulations
MIKE URBAN, developed by DHI Group, is a powerful modeling software for urban hydrology and wastewater management, simulating flows in sewer networks, stormwater systems, and integrated urban drainage. It supports detailed hydraulic analysis, flood prediction, and optimization of wastewater collection systems, with capabilities extending to basic treatment plant inflows. While strong in network modeling, it is less focused on detailed biological wastewater treatment processes compared to specialized WWTP simulators.
Pros
- Comprehensive 1D/2D hydraulic modeling for sewer and surface flows
- Strong GIS integration for urban planning and scenario analysis
- Real-time control and operational optimization tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve requiring hydraulic engineering expertise
- High cost limits accessibility for smaller organizations
- Limited depth in advanced wastewater treatment process simulation
Best For
Urban engineers and municipalities focused on wastewater collection network design, flood management, and integrated urban water modeling.
Pricing
Enterprise-level pricing with perpetual licenses or subscriptions starting at €10,000+ per module/user, customized quotes required.
SUMO
specializedUser-friendly, high-performance simulator for wastewater treatment plant calibration and optimization.
Plant-wide modeling with seamless integration of multiple unit processes in a single intuitive environment
SUMO by Dynamita is a dynamic simulator specialized for modeling and optimizing wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), focusing on activated sludge processes and plant-wide operations. It supports standard models like ASM1/2d/3, TUD, and UCTP, allowing users to simulate scenarios for design, operation, troubleshooting, and energy optimization. The software excels in providing fast, accurate simulations with an intuitive interface for building complex plant layouts.
Pros
- Highly intuitive drag-and-drop interface for rapid model building
- Fast simulation speeds even for large plant-wide models
- Comprehensive support for industry-standard wastewater models and calibration tools
Cons
- Pricing is custom and can be expensive for smaller users
- Limited native integrations with real-time SCADA systems
- Steeper learning curve for advanced custom modeling despite overall ease
Best For
Wastewater engineers and plant operators needing quick, reliable simulations for process optimization and troubleshooting in mid-sized WWTPs.
Pricing
Quote-based modular licensing; annual subscriptions start around €5,000-€20,000 depending on modules and users.
CapdetWorks
specializedAutomated tool for preliminary design and evaluation of wastewater treatment plant configurations.
Automated, process-specific CAPEX and OPEX costing directly tied to simulation results
CapdetWorks, developed by Hydromantis, is a specialized software tool for the preliminary design, evaluation, and cost estimation of wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). It enables engineers to rapidly model various treatment configurations using a comprehensive library of unit processes, predict performance under different conditions, and generate accurate capital and operating cost estimates. Widely used for feasibility studies and planning upgrades, it integrates seamlessly with Hydromantis' advanced simulator GPS-X for detailed follow-up modeling.
Pros
- Extensive library of wastewater treatment unit processes for quick configuration
- Integrated capital (CAPEX) and operating (OPEX) cost estimation
- Fast simulation capabilities for evaluating design alternatives
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-expert users
- Primarily Windows-based with limited cross-platform support
- Focused on conceptual design rather than real-time operations or advanced optimization
Best For
Wastewater engineers and consultants conducting preliminary feasibility studies and cost assessments for new or upgraded treatment facilities.
Pricing
Custom quote-based licensing; perpetual licenses start around $5,000-$10,000 depending on modules, with annual maintenance fees.
WaterTrax
enterpriseCloud-based platform for real-time data management, compliance reporting, and analytics in wastewater operations.
Automated real-time data validation and QA/QC workflows that ensure data accuracy before reporting
WaterTrax, from Aquatic Informatics, is a cloud-based operational data management platform tailored for water and wastewater utilities, enabling real-time monitoring, compliance reporting, and process optimization in wastewater treatment. It integrates SCADA systems, lab data, and field inputs via mobile apps to streamline data collection, validation, and analysis. The software supports regulatory requirements like NPDES permits and provides customizable dashboards for operational insights.
Pros
- Strong compliance reporting and automated permit tracking
- Real-time dashboards and mobile data entry for field operations
- Robust integration with SCADA and lab instruments
Cons
- Steep learning curve for advanced customizations
- Pricing lacks transparency and can be high for smaller facilities
- Limited advanced AI-driven predictive analytics compared to top competitors
Best For
Mid-sized wastewater treatment plants and utilities focused on compliance and data integration without needing cutting-edge predictive modeling.
Pricing
Custom subscription pricing based on data points and users; typically starts at $5,000/year for basic plans, with enterprise quotes required.
Conclusion
The reviewed wastewater treatment software spans diverse needs, from data management to dynamic simulation, with Hach WIMS leading as the top choice—combining acquisition, analysis, and reporting to optimize operations and compliance. Close behind, BioWin and GPS-X stand out as strong alternatives: BioWin excels in biological process modeling, while GPS-X offers a modular platform for multi-process simulation, each tailored to specific requirements.
Take the first step toward enhanced efficiency and regulatory readiness by exploring Hach WIMS, the top-ranked tool, and discover how it can transform your wastewater treatment operations.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison