HYDRAULIC PERFORMANCE MODELING AND IMPROVEMENTS OF WATER SUPPLY DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS

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Author/s

ZERIHUN ABIYU AND DR.ING. GEREMEW SAHILU

Abstract

Water Supply Distribution Systems Utilities are designed to continuously supply safe, reliable and affordable, portable water to end users. As time elapses, meeting these commitments embraces multiple challenges in urban areas. The objectives of this work are to evaluate the hydraulic performance of water supply distribution system by assessing the situation of existing water supply distribution system. This is mainly done by estimating the water loss in the system in order to improve the efficacies of the water distribution networks and to determine remedial measures. Water GEMS software is used to model water distribution system. It is used to identify the high pressure and the low pressure at junctions and velocity magnitude and head loss of flow in pipes which are used as basis to evaluate the hydraulic performance. Results showed in violation of maximum and minimum pressure and low velocity requirements. High pressure in the system occurred both during low demand and peak demand and remedial measures are found by providing pressure reducing valves at low elevations. Modifications in operation and design can improve the performance of the current water supply distribution system of the case study area.