Application of hydraulic modelling to control intrusion into potable water pipelines

Abstract

A key objective of water supply systems is to provide potable water to consumers at an appropriate quality, however, through distribution networks, water quality can be compromised. One of the avenues through which this can happen is contaminant intrusion into the network. Through hydraulic modelling, this paper examines how potential intrusion into water distribution networks can be established and also predicts the magnitude of intrusion that is expected to occur, given particular conditions. The paper further suggests possible preventive measures that can be taken in order to avert the occurrence of this phenomenon. Results indicate that for potable water pipelines flowing through high pressure areas, if the pressure of the surrounding environment can be established then by ensuring that network pressures are above the surrounding pressures in those sections of the network, intrusion can be overcome.