Wen, Jianfeng

Jianfeng Wen is Senior Manager of Engineering Planning with New Jersey American Water. A licensed professional engineer with 15 years of experience, Dr. Wen specializes in water and wastewater system planning, engineering design, and project management. In his current role, he is responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive, strategic investment plans that support the long-term performance and reliability of water and wastewater systems. He received his Master and PhD degrees in Environmental Resources Engineering from the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry.

Titles from this speaker

Flow Metering: A Powerful Tool to Build Smart Sewer Systems

Abstract

This paper summarizes the uses of flow metering techniques to reduce infiltration and inflow (I&I), troubleshoot collection system issues, improve level of service, and reduce operation and maintenance (O&M) costs. Flow metering principles and technologies are introduced. Practical applications of flow meter are presented. Four unique case studies of American Water demonstrated that flow metering is a powerful tool to improve collection system performance and could help to develop smart sewer systems. Finally, general guidance and lessons learned are provided for wastewater utilities to develop and conduct flow metering programs for sewer collection systems.

This paper summarizes the uses of flow metering techniques to reduce infiltration and inflow (I&I), troubleshoot collection system issues, improve level of service, and reduce operation and maintenance (O&M) costs. Several unique case studies of flow metering are presented. General guidance and lessons learned are provided for wastewater utilities to develop and conduct flow metering programs for sewer collection systems.

SpeakerWen, Jianfeng

Presentation time

15:30:00

15:50:00

Session time

15:30:00

17:00:00

SessionTechnology Driven Optimization of Collection Systems

Session locationRoom S404c - Level 4

TopicAsset Management, Collection Systems, Intelligent Water, Intermediate Level

Author(s)

Wen, Jianfeng

Author(s)J. Wen 1; Y. Liu 1 ; J. Wen 1; P. Keenan 2;

Author affiliation(s)American Water 1; American Water 1 ; American Water 1; American Water 2;

SourceProceedings of the Water Environment Federation

Document typeConference Paper

PublisherWater Environment Federation

Print publication date Oct 2023

DOI10.2175/193864718825159046

Volume / Issue

Content sourceWEFTEC

Word count11

Flow Metering - A Powerful Tool to Build Smart Sewer Systems

Abstract

Flow Metering -- A Powerful Tool to Build Smart Sewer Systems Benefits and Objectives Measuring real-time flow rates in a sewer collection system is like a doctor taking a pulse for a patient. Rapid advancements in flow metering and data gathering technologies have led to substantial improvements for real-time operational support and decision-making systems. This study undertook a review of current available flow metering technologies to optimize the operation and maintenance (O&M) of sewer collection systems, and also to identify potential methodologies and applications where flow metering provided significant insights and benefits to system evaluation. This paper provides a summary of the results from this study, and covers the following specific objectives: - Summarize the uses of flow metering techniques to reduce infiltration and inflow (I&I) and sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs), improve level of service, and reduce O&M costs - Provide general guidance and lessons learned for municipalities and utilities to develop and conduct flow metering programs for sewer collection systems - Equip operators, regulators, engineers, and scientists with tools to accurately characterize sewer flows and assess a sewer collection system's capacity and performance - Present several unique case studies of flow metering and flow data analysis. Methodology Flow metering principles and technologies -- Area/velocity flow meters typically utilize pressure or ultrasonic sensors to measure flow depth and doppler-type velocity sensors to measure velocity. The flow rate is determined through depth (from which area is calculated) and velocity measurements. Metering location selection -- The selection of flow metering locations is fundamental to assuring accurate representation of flows throughout the system. Flow meters are typically located along trunk sewers near major confluences. For inflow and infiltration studies, flow meters can be focused in the areas with known high I&I. Data analysis -- Dry weather and wet weather average and peak flows are calculated using flow metering data. Sanitary sewage flow, base infiltration, rainfall-derived infiltration and inflow (RDII) are calculated as well. The rainfall data from a rain gauge is also analyzed. General Applications Hydraulic model calibration -- Flow monitoring is often conducted to support hydraulic model calibration for master planning. Hydraulic models can be calibrated using both dry weather and wet weather flow metering data. Capacity assessment -- Simulations of dry weather and wet weather scenarios based on flow metering data provide information for capacity assessment, which ultimately can be used to identify alternatives for addressing capacity limitations. I&I study -- I&I analysis using flow metering data is able to identify areas of concern that need to be addressed. Design wet weather flow projections -- Flow metering and rainfall data could be used to develop a model to predict the wet weather flow for a 2-year or a 5-year storm event at a specific basin. Unique Case Studies Sewer Clogging -- A section of sewer pipe upstream of a lift station in a coastal city in New Jersey often experienced surcharges during high flow events. A level sensor (Telog) and a HACH Flodar meter were installed to evaluate the issue (Figure 1). A hydraulic model for this section of sewer was developed and calibrated using level sensor data and HACH Flodar data. The modeling results demonstrated that a clogged bar screen at the lift station appeared to be the cause of the sewer backup. The hydraulic modeling with flow metering data is a powerful tool to illustrate the impact of hydraulic restriction and head loss on upstream water levels. Plant influent flow meter validation -- A temporary flow metering study was conducted to verify the accuracy of an influent flow meter at a wastewater treatment plant in California. The comparisons of temporary flow metering data, plant influent, and effluent flow data are shown in Figure 2. It was found that the influent flow meter readings were higher than the temporary flow meter results. Recommendations were made to improve the accuracy of the existing plant influent flow meter. Hurricane event -- A major hurricane occurred during a temporary flow metering study in a coastal city in New Jersey in 2011. The flow metering data and the hydraulic modeling simulation provided a unique scenario for the hurricane event (Figure 3). Because of the magnitude of the storm and the regional power outages that transpired, all sewer lift stations were disabled during the hurricane. However, the monitoring and modelling revealed that the collection system handled the high flow very well, with only a small area of flooding due to the lift stations off-line. Pump station design flow determination -- A linear regression model (Figure 4) was development by plotting RDII volume against rainfall precipitation and used to predict wet weather flows under a 5-year storm event for a pump station. Lessons learned Field verification -- Before installation of flow meters, field verification should be conducted to validate the actual locations of the manholes for installing flow meters, as well as size, slope, invert elevation, and condition of the pipes. Meter maintenance -- Routine maintenance and regular inspection of flow meters (e.g., routinely check for clogging, meter cleaning, replacement of desiccants and batteries, etc.) is required to keep meters functioning properly. QA/QC -- The Manning equation can be employed to conduct QA/QC of the flow metering data. A scatter graph (velocity vs. depth) for a flow metering study in Indiana was created to compare the differences between metered flow and theoretical flow (Figure 5). Further field inspection found that a nearby lift station had experienced occasional back flow issues causing erroneous meter readings. In addition, the scatter graph indicated that the sewer experienced surcharges or potential overflows at this location. Rainfall data -- It was recommended to install a continuous-recording rain gauge for future studies. Conclusion The paper shows how adoption of a flow metering program enables wastewater utilities to improve productivity for inspection, condition assessment, optimizing sewer O&M efforts, and more effectively implementing asset management programs. With anticipated future advancements in sewer flow monitoring, utilities will be even better able to identify solutions to address capacity limitations or performance challenges.

This paper was presented at the WEF Collection Systems Conference, June 27-30, 2023.

SpeakerWen, Jianfeng

Presentation time

15:45:00

16:15:00

Session time

13:30:00

16:45:00

SessionSession 04: Smart Water Solutions

Session number04

Session locationKansas City Convention Center

TopicIntelligent/Smart Sewer Systems

Author(s)

Wen, Jianfeng

Author(s)J. Wen1; Y. Liu2; P. Keenan3;

Author affiliation(s)American Water1;

SourceProceedings of the Water Environment Federation

Document typeConference Paper

PublisherWater Environment Federation

Print publication date Jun 2023

DOI10.2175/193864718825158914

Volume / Issue

Content sourceCollections

Word count12

Modernizing Regional Sewer Systems with Real-Time Sewer Monitoring

Abstract

Wastewater utilities of varied sizes are confronting similar pressures, such as aging infrastructure, capacity threats from inflow and infiltration (I&I), deferred maintenance, increasing regulatory and public scrutiny, and limited resources. This presentation examines how two distinctly different wastewater collection systems, Butler, PA and Long Hill, NJ, are leveraging real-time monitoring and data-driven decision-making to stabilize and enhance collection system performance, reduce risks, and guide strategic system rehabilitation. Leveraging technology, these systems have shown measurable performance improvements. [b]Pennsylvania American Water - Butler, PA[/b] The Butler Area Sewer Authority (BASA) required significant modernization of its wastewater collection system to meet environmental standards and address long-standing infrastructure challenges. Pennsylvania American Water acquired BASA in October 2024, assuming responsibility for more than 15,000 customers across 32.5 square miles. As part of an initial significant five-year investment, the utility deployed 43 real-time sewer monitors to provide continuous visibility into level and flow conditions, to track system response to rainfall, and system capacity. This monitoring framework enabled early detection of blockages, identification of I&I sites, and improved flow management across the collection system, supporting overflow prevention and more targeted cleaning, inspection, and rehabilitation efforts. Rather than use Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) to surveil the entire BASA system, the Pennsylvania American Water team is using a I&I heat map to prioritize metersheds for CCTV. The company started rehabilitation work in early 2026. See Figure 1 which explains how to interpret the monitoring data and use it to develop a metershed priority ranking. The priority ratings are based on several factors, including the sensor's response to small storms, whether the manhole experienced surcharge during large storms, and whether the sensor showed extended responses to rain events. Figure 2 shows I&I risk levels for each subbasin within the Butler, PA collection system which helps prioritize sewer inspection and locate defects for rehabilitation. [b]New Jersey American Water - Long Hill, NJ[/b] In contrast, the Township of Long Hill, NJ, presented a smaller, more acute challenge. The community's 1930s-era collection system, which serves more than 9,000 residents, had suffered decades of deferred maintenance, frequent sanitary sewer overflows, treatment plant capacity issues, and a long-standing sewer connection ban that constrained economic growth. New Jersey American Water acquired the Long Hill wastewater system in October 2020 and has since significantly invested in capital improvements. Within five years, Long Hill moved from crisis to stability through strategic capital investment. Early upgrades included pump station modernization, sewer main lining and replacements to reduce stormwater intrusion, and treatment plant improvements to reduce sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs) into the Passaic River. While these measures stabilized system performance, challenges remained. Long Hill's hilly terrain and sewer connection ban highlighted the need to further control excess flows that continued to strain the collection system, which also includes 57 miles of mains, eight pump stations, and thousands of manholes. Long Hill's challenges highlighted the need for more precise system insight. The integration of real-time remote sewer monitoring enabled the utility to quantify the impacts of wet weather events across the system and to prioritize critical rehabilitation investments. The adoption of smart technology has resulted in improved system reliability and regulatory compliance, streamlined sewer cleaning and lining priorities, and renewed opportunities for community growth. Most notably, the removal of the sewer connection ban in October 2025 has demonstrated how a smart sewer system can effectively reduce I&I, increase sewer system capacity, and enhance overall performance in a short amount of time. See Figure 3 of high-risk areas and Figure 4, which summarizes the total number of high-level alarms and monthly precipitation totals for 2025. High-level alarms decreased throughout 2025, with the exception of July (data not shown). The number of alarms that month were driven by a single storm that produced more than four inches of rainfall (over half of the total monthly precipitation) and does not represent typical system performance. [b]Conclusion[/b] The Butler, PA and Long Hill, NJ case studies demonstrate that real-time sewer monitoring is a scalable, data-driven solution capable of transforming wastewater collection system management across a wide range of system sizes and starting conditions. By providing continuous visibility into system performance, utilities can move beyond reactive maintenance and toward proactive, data-driven decisions that improve reliability, protect public health, and enhance regulatory compliance. These real-world cases show that using monitors to inform rehabilitation projects enables utilities to accurately identify I&I sources, prioritize capital investments, and validate the effectiveness of infrastructure improvements. Early warning of developing issues reduces the frequency and severity of SSOs, mitigates environmental impacts, and supports more efficient use of all resources.

This paper was presented at WEFTEC 2026 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Presentation time

15:30:00

17:00:00

Session time

15:30:00

17:00:00

SessionSmarter Ways to Evaluate Peak Flow Management

Session locationErnest N. Morial Convention Center

TopicAsset Management, Collection Systems

Author(s)

Wen, Jianfeng, Rae, Jack, Hunter, Margaret, Oliver, Ariel, Marciszewski, John