Abstract
The assessment of existing water supply services was carried out through selected performance indicators with the aim of using that data in future for strategic planning of urban Mardan. The key performance indictors studied were selected to assess both the quantity and quality of water. The quality of water was assessed by turbidity, pH, and E-coli tests for samples collected at the start, middle, and tail end of the distribution system. The quantity of water supplied was measured by calculating discharges from water tapes at the three selected locations in the distribution system. A total of thirty samples were collected from ten union councils out of fourteen covering urban Mardan. A number of issues are highlighted in the overall water supply infrastructure and short, mid, and long term remedial measures are recommended. The results are presented in the form of an interactive map using Google Earth and VBA based dynamic database. It was found that the overall quality of water is generally acceptable for drinking. However, the presence of bacteria is an issue in many cases which needs to be resolved. A significant decrease in discharge is observed in the distribution systems away from the source due to leakages and illegal connections. A comprehensive overhaul of both management and infrastructure is required for sustainable and satisfactory level of services.
Highlights
Domestic and municipal water needs are fulfilled by ground water schemes in most cities of Pakistan
Highlighting these issues is a first step towards a systemic improvement of the water supply services in urban centers of Pakistan
Most of the city area is congested with narrow streets lacking proper water supply system, lack of appropriate sanitation arrangements and deficient cleaning provisions
Summary
Domestic and municipal water needs are fulfilled by ground water schemes in most cities of Pakistan. New interventions have been made under the impact of increasing population and expanded coverage areas As such the water services providers rely both on the newly constructed water supply schemes and existing old schemes. The water industry needs to develop values and a system wherein key performance indicators are used to identify areas of improvement, define rational targets, devise action plans and track improvements over time One such system is to define and evaluate key performance indicators (KPIs) for a given water supply scheme [8]. KPIs are the fundamental components of a groundwork process whereby water utilities can assess their relative technical and financial performance against internationally defined standards [9] They can be used by the water supply services providers for appropriate decision making and need based response. There is a dire need for a more practical and economical system to meet the needs of water supply schemes in developing countries
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