Civil infrastructure decisions increasingly require engineers to bring together technical data, costs, operational information, and competing scenarios in a way that is transparent, practical, and defensible. This webinar uses a drinking water rate study as a real-world case study to demonstrate how a structured, data-driven tool can turn complex infrastructure information into actionable decisions.

Presenters will demonstrate how the Water Rate Tool integrates customer, demand, water loss, operating expense, and financial data to evaluate alternative scenarios and support long-term planning. Beyond the water application, participants will explore the broader approach to infrastructure decision-making, including organizing data, documenting assumptions, testing alternatives, understanding cost drivers, and communicating results to stakeholders.

The case study provides practical lessons that can be applied across civil infrastructure contexts, from water and drainage systems to transportation, pavement, utilities, and other public assets where engineers must evaluate costs, performance, and future needs. Participants will leave with a better understanding of how data-driven modeling tools can complement engineering judgment and support more transparent, sustainable, and defensible infrastructure decisions.

Speakers:

Mahith Nadella is a Project Manager at Civitas Engineering Group and a licensed Professional Engineer in the State of Texas with more than seven years of experience in the design of municipal water and wastewater infrastructure. He holds a Master’s degree in Civil Engineering from Texas A&M University. Mahith is also actively involved in professional organizations, including the American Water Works Association (AWWA) and the Water Environment Federation (WEF). His current leadership roles include serving as President of the Southeast Chapter of Texas AWWA, a voting member of the AWWA Young Professionals Committee, and Vice-Chair of WEF’s Pump Stations and Force Mains Technical Practice Group.

Sneha Eati is a water and wastewater engineer with eight years of experience working on municipal and industrial infrastructure projects. She holds a Master’s degree in Environmental Engineering and an MBA in Project Management. Her experience includes water and wastewater treatment design, pump and lift station design, route studies, data analysis, PFAS treatment technology evaluations and treatability studies, as well as water treatment and convenience projects. Outside of work, Sneha enjoys pottery, baking, hosting parties, going on walks with her pet Momo, and gardening.

Samanata Silwal, is a Data Scientist at Civitas Engineering group, Inc., specializing in water/wastewater data analysis and process optimization. She has worked with large datasets from treatment plants and regulatory agencies to develop insights that support utility operations and decision-making. Her work focuses on bridging data analytics with engineering practice.  Sam’s also a mom of two beautiful fur babies, Ms. Olivia Barkley Woof and Ms. Balenciaga Meowly Cyrus.