Validation and Examination of Existing Water Distribution Network for Continuous Supply of Water Using EPANET

Abstract

Dire Dawa, the second largest city of Ethiopia, was facing about the distribution system adopted for supplying clean water. It was being observed that an intermittent type of supply with main and secondary distribution pipes. It was observed that, the current water demand has surpassed the present existing supply about 65%. Hence, in order to provide sufficient quantity and good potable water with continuous (24 X 7) water supply for various sectors of study area: Sabiyan region, Dire Dawa, Ethiopia, was selected. Also, Dire Dawa Water Supply & Sewerage Authority has taken a strong decision in order to validate and examine the existing water distribution network for improved water supply. On the other hand, the main important factor which effects the validation is that the age of pipes and other accessories in present existing network were longstanding. Therefore, to avoid the leakage losses and various problems encountered with the present system, a detailed is study is conducted and the analysis is carried out using EPANET tool to design for continuous water supply. After thorough analysis by considering future concerns, it was suggested that, two GLSRs of each with 2.7 Mm3 capacity may be provided in order to meet the future demands. The tanks are provided at required elevation to ensure that the water flows in all pipes of the network efficiently. Based on the output it was observed that the diameter of pipes from the existing system ought to be revised. Additionally, other parameters which effect the network like frictional losses, velocity of flow in the pipes, residual head and pressure at nodes were also examined thoroughly by the use of different tools like WaterGEMS and Auto CAD in addition to EPANET.