Sustainable Water Supply System Research Articles

RENEWABLE ENERGY INTEGRATION FOR WATER SUPPLY: A COMPARATIVE REVIEW OF AFRICAN AND U.S. INITIATIVES

This review paper explores integrating renewable energy into water supply systems as a critical strategy for addressing global challenges such as climate change, energy scarcity, and water security. By comparing initiatives in African countries and the United States, the study highlights the importance of sustainable, efficient, and resilient water supply systems in diverse geographical and socio-economic contexts. The paper examines the technological, financial, policy, and infrastructure challenges and opportunities that influence the adoption of renewable energy in the water sector. It delves into the sustainability and scalability of renewable energy-powered water supply initiatives, assessing their environmental, economic, and social dimensions. The comparative analysis reveals lessons learned, best practices, and potential areas for collaboration between the regions. Future directions are proposed, emphasizing the need for international cooperation, knowledge sharing, and innovation to enhance the integration of renewable energy into water supply systems. The paper concludes by underscoring the pivotal role of renewable energy in achieving sustainable development goals, particularly in ensuring access to clean water and energy for all.
 Keywords: Renewable Energy, Water Supply Systems, Sustainable Development, Comparative Review.

An innovative simulation algorithm for optimising the cost of communal water supply systems using EPANET

In this work, the EPANET software is used to parametrize the design, simulate and optimise the overall cost of building and running a reliable, sustainable and efficient communal Water Supply System. Considering a model community of forty houses with an average of six occupants per home, the developed optimization algorithm using the simulated annealing heuristics approach minimizes the total cost of continuous water distribution to the community through a system of pipe network in a way that satisfies the critical hydraulic rules and constraints for efficient water distribution. Thus, the controlled variables of the simulated system include volumetric flow, velocity and head loss. To realize the desired goal, the prototyped communal water distribution system was first simulated by water free fall i.e., only gravity feed under a peak demand flow condition. This facilitated the identification and localization of head-loss zones. Subsequently, virtual pump stations of various capacities were optimally introduced as boosters at identified nodal points to overcome critical head losses. The response of the system to varying capacities of the booster pumps was then used to analyse and determine the optimum capacity of the pump. Simulation outcome showed that the optimum least cost design for a sixtyyear system’s life cycle is achieved by using a combination of gravity and 5 hp (3.73 kW) pump with optimum pipe diameter ranging from 60 - 150mm.

Water resources management in the context of the circular economy concept

The article examines the essence and main goals of the circular economy. The connection between the circular economy and the achievement of the goals of sustainable development has been studied. The positive effect of the introduction of the circular economy for the social, economic and ecological system was determined. Reducing the scarcity of natural resources, as well as the creation of durable goods, allows reducing the negative impact on the environment, which in turn stimulates innovation, which increases competitive advantages in international markets. The peculiarities of the development of circular economy models in developed countries are considered. The peculiarities of the economic category of water and its role in the economy are analyzed. The different roles of water emphasize its uniqueness and prove the difficulty of adopting a unified approach to it in the circular economy. The dynamics of indicators of the water capacity of Ukraine's GDP and volumes of return (waste) water discharged into surface water bodies were analyzed. It was determined that the rethinking of the urban water supply system through the principles of the circular economy and the goals of sustainable development will reduce the amount of polluted water and increase its reuse. It was determined that Ukraine is one of the least water-supplied countries in Europe, the annual runoff reserves available for use per person do not exceed 1,000 m3, while the GDP water capacity indicator remains sufficiently high and exceeds its target value. The dynamics of the indicator of the water capacity of the GDP of Ukraine has been analyzed, it has a tendency to decrease for the years 2015-2022. The characteristic problems of the functioning of urban water supply and drainage systems in the front-line territories and safer cities, where the number of internally displaced people has increased, are analyzed. It was analyzed that not all classic circular economy strategies can be applied to water. Strategies of the circular economy of water are considered and it is emphasized that rethinking is inherent in all water strategies. It has been analyzed that the implementation of the circular economy may face financial, bureaucratic and behavioral problems and regulatory, legislative, managerial and implementation obstacles. Keywords: circular economy, water resources, sustainable development, integrated management of water resources, state policy, goals of sustainable development, strategies, economic model, water supply and drainage system

Assessing the carbon footprint of drinking water supply system in Indonesia: A case study of the Rebana Metropolitan Area

The development of the Rebana Metropolitan Area in the northern region of West Java aims to improve the economy in the area with improved infrastructure, including safe drinking water provision through a sustainable drinking water supply system (SPAM) that aligns with low-carbon development in Indonesia. This study presents a comprehensive assessment of the carbon footprint associated with SPAM. A dynamic system modeling approach was employed to calculate SPAM’s carbon footprint, considering key activities such as drinking water supply through piped networks and wells, bottled water distribution, potable water provision through refillable drinking water depots, and drinking water boiling. The model was calibrated and validated using data from Indramayu Regency, demonstrating its accuracy with an RMSPE value of 0.03% for the population and 4.89% for water treatment plant production capacity. By utilizing data from industrial zones (KPI) Patrol and Losarang, the model simulations revealed that under business as usual (BAU) conditions, the projected carbon footprint of SPAM in 2040 was 332,194 tCO2eq. To explore effective intervention strategies, three scenarios (I, II, and III) were simulated, incorporating different rates of wastewater recycling—10%, 20%, and 30% by 2030, respectively. The results demonstrated that implementing these scenarios would lead to reduced SPAM’s carbon footprints in 2040, with projected values of 283,275 tCO2eq, 246,586 tCO2eq, and 225,184 tCO2eq for scenarios I, II, and III, respectively. Bottled water exhibited the highest carbon footprint per unit volume of 28.847 kgCO2eq/m3.

Domain-informed variational neural networks and support vector machines based leakage detection framework to augment self-healing in water distribution networks

The reduction of water leakage is essential for ensuring sustainable and resilient water supply systems. Despite recent investments in sensing technologies, pipe leakage remains a significant challenge for the water sector, particularly in developed nations like the UK, which suffer from aging water infrastructure. Conventional models and analytical methods for detecting pipe leakage often face reliability issues and are generally limited to detecting leaks during nighttime hours. Moreover, leakages are frequently detected by the customers rather than the water companies. To achieve substantial reductions in leakage and enhance public confidence in water supply and management, adopting an intelligent detection method is crucial. Such a method should effectively leverage existing sensor data for reliable leakage identification across the network. This not only helps in minimizing water loss and the associated energy costs of water treatment but also aids in steering the water sector towards a more sustainable and resilient future. As a step towards ‘self-healing’ water infrastructure systems, this study presents a novel framework for rapidly identifying potential leakages at the district meter area (DMA) level. The framework involves training a domain-informed variational autoencoder (VAE) for real-time dimensionality reduction of water flow time series data and developing a two-dimensional surrogate latent variable (LV) mapping which sufficiently and efficiently captures the distinct characteristics of leakage and regular (non-leakage) flow. The domain-informed training employs a novel loss function that ensures a distinct but regulated LV space for the two classes of flow groupings (i.e., leakage and non-leakage). Subsquently, a binary SVM classifier is used to provide a hyperplane for separating the two classes of LVs corresponding to the flow groupings. Hence, the proposed framework can be efficiently utilised to classify the incoming flow as leakage or non-leakage based on the encoded surrogates LVs of the flow time series using the trained VAE encoder. The framework is trained and tested on a dataset of over 2000 DMAs in North Yorkshire, UK, containing water flow time series recorded at 15-minute intervals over one year. The framework performs exceptionally well for both regular and leakage water flow groupings with a classification accuracy of over 98 % on the unobserved test dataset

Accurate Estimation of Water Demand and Diurnal Water Consumption Pattern in Hostels in Peshawar

Abstract: This study looks into water demand and daily water consumption patterns in hostels, which is important for long-term water supply systems. It produces exact estimates by combining IoT-based algorithms with ultrasonic sensors. In Pakistan, there was no precise study on hostel water usage. Ultrasonic sensors in hostel water tanks monitor real-time water levels and pump status, allowing hourly water consumption to be calculated. The average daily water consumption per person in hostels is 168.5 Liter Per Capita per Day (LPCD), with a standard deviation of 29.3 LPCD ranging from 112.25 LPCD to 218.5 LPCD. Demand peaks around 10:00 a.m. and gradually declines throughout the day. Weekdays average 172.5 LPCD, whereas weekends average 157.7 LPCD. This information assists in effective water management techniques such as consumption reduction, awareness promotion, optimizing usage, and leak repair, hence improving sustainable water supply system planning and management.

A comprehensive evaluation of private sector investment decisions for sustainable water supply systems using a fuzzy-analytic hierarchy process: A case study of Ha Nam province in Vietnam

This study examined the factors that affect the private sectors' willingness to invest in rural water supply. The study applied a mixed methods approach, including an overview of relevant studies, expert consultation, exploratory factor analysis using SPSS software, and a fuzzy-analytic hierarchy process to identify and evaluate the factors applicable to Ha Nam province in Vietnam. Some factors were distinguished that are significant to private investors’ rural water supply investment decisions, including tax incentive policy, policies to support preferred access to loans and credit, a state risk-sharing mechanism, a mechanism to adjust water price, community support, high community demand for clean water, and input water quality. In addition, the study constructed an investment attractiveness index to evaluate the attractiveness of private sector investment for two typical rural water supply projects in Ha Nam province. This index can be used as a basis for the government to design appropriate incentives to attract investment from private investors and construct an investment attractiveness map.

Application of the concept of smart city and smart water management for the new capital city

The Indonesian government has decided to move the State Capital (IKN) from DKI Jakarta to East Kalimantan Province. One of IKN’s visions is to build a smart, modern city that meets international standards. This paper examines the concept of smart city and smart water management (SWM) that will be applied to the new IKNs to build an integrated, sophisticated and sustainable clean water supply system. The method used was analyzing concepts related to smart cities and SWM applications in the world and Indonesia. Based on the results of the analysis of the abovementioned concepts, several conclusions were obtained, namely that an SWM support system is indispensable in water system management, leak detection, and water quality monitoring. Then, a smart water grid is used to develop control over water resources, infrastructure, and water discharge with high efficiency and sustainability. The flood early warning system must be utilized to minimize losses or victims caused by flood disasters. In addition, an online water quality monitoring system is needed to monitor water quality online and in real time. The integrated implementation of the smart city and SWM concepts described in the paper is expected to produce safe, healthy, and sustainable drinking water services.

Quality Risk Analysis for Sustainable Smart Water Supply

With the rapid growth of contemporary cities, building sustainable smart water supply systems is facing significant hurdles worldwide. Water quality has a significant impact on every aspect of our lives and is given priority in urban planning. Previous methods of regulating urban water quality have mostly relied on performing routine tests on several physical, chemical, and biological groupings of quality indicators. However, the inevitable lag time for biological indicators has raised the risk of illness, resulting in mishaps like widespread infections in many major cities. In this essay, we examine the issue, the technological difficulties, and the research questions. Next, we offer a potential remedy by creating a methodology for risk analysis specific to the urban water delivery system. To detect risks and detect changes in water quality, we need the indicator data we gathered from industrial activities. We provide an Adaptive Frequency Analysis (Adp- FA) method to resolve the data using indicators' frequency domain information for their internal linkages and individual prediction in order to produce results that are understandable. We also look into this method's scalability in the indicator, geographic, and time domains. We choose data sets of industrial quality for the application that was gathered as part of a Norwegian project from four separate urban water supply systems: Oslo, Bergen, Strmmen, and Lesund. Comparing the new method to the traditional Artificial Neural Network and Random Forest approach, we examine the proposed method's spectrogram, prediction accuracy, and time requirements. The outcomes demonstrate that our strategy performs better in most areas. Supporting early alerts for industrial water quality risks and additional decision support is possible. Key Words: Water Quality, Risk Analysis, Industrial Quality Data, Quality Indicators

An Assessment of Geospatial Analysis Combined with AHP Techniques to Identify Groundwater Potential Zones in the Pudukkottai District, Tamil Nadu, India

Groundwater is critical to the socioeconomic development of any region. Infiltration of surface water into the ground is influenced by a variety of factors such as soil pores, folds, fractures, faults, and joints, all of which contribute to groundwater recharge. Groundwater is an important source of freshwater in the drought-prone Pudukkottai district of Tamil Nadu, India. Therefore, the search for groundwater potential zones (GWPZs) is critical. The present study focuses on the investigation of potential groundwater zones using geospatial techniques. Geology, land use and land cover, geomorphology, soil, drainage density, lineament, and groundwater levels were obtained from state and non-state associations. ArcGIS version 10.8 was used to create all thematic layers and classified grids. The intensive use of groundwater in arid and semiarid regions is becoming a problem for the public to meet their freshwater needs. The condition of arid and semi-arid regions due to intensive groundwater extraction has become one of the most important environmental problems for the public. In this study, a powerful groundwater potential mapping technique was developed using integrated remote sensing data from GIS-AHP. Using AHP techniques, thematic layers for geology, geomorphology, and soil followed by drainage, drainage density and lineament, lineament density, slope, water level, and lithological parameters were created, classified, weighted, and integrated into a GIS environment. According to the results of the study, it is estimated that 14% of the groundwater potential in the study area is good, 49% is moderate and 36% is poor. A groundwater level map was used to verify the groundwater potential. In addition, the model was validated with a single-layer sensitivity analysis, which showed that geology was the most influential layer and water level was the least influential thematic layer. The low-potential areas identified on the groundwater potential map can be used for further study to identify ideal locations for artificial recharge. In low potential areas, the groundwater potential map can be used to find ideal locations for artificial recharge. The water table in the area must be raised by artificial recharge structures such as infiltration basins, recharge pits, and agricultural ponds. Artificial recharge structures such as infiltration basins, recharge pits, and agricultural ponds can be used for groundwater development in the low potential zones. The GWPZ map was successfully validated with three proxy data, such as the number of wells, groundwater level, and well density, obtained from well inventory information. The results of this study will improve our understanding of the geographic analysis of groundwater potential and help policy makers in this drought-prone area to create more sustainable water supply systems.

Addressing Water Scarcity in Samdrupjongkhar Thromde, Bhutan: Feasibility Study and Design of a Sustainable Gravity Water Supply System

Abstract The provision of a reliable water-supply system is essential for the development and well-being of urban communities. Samdrupjongkhar Thromde, located in Bhutan, has been facing water supply challenges despite the presence of a water treatment plant. The non-perennial nature of the current water source coupled with malfunctions in water pumps has led to acute water shortages in the municipality. To address this issue, this study carried out a feasibility investigation and designed a gravity water supply system by conducting an EPANET (Environment Protection Agency Network Evaluation Tool) analysis. The study involved field visits to identify potential water sources, and a topo-graphic survey using RTK (Real Time Kinematics) technology to determine the optimal pipeline route. The EPANET analysis was then conducted to evaluate the hydraulic performance of the initial route. Based on these findings, a final water pipeline route was selected considering factors such as terrain characteristics, construction feasibility, avoidance of negative water pressure, and minimum encroachment of private land. The results showed that the maximum pressure head within the pipeline system reached 296 m with a maximum water flow velocity of 5 m/s. However, at the outlet, the pressure head decreased to 70 m and the velocity decreased to 2 m/s. Two Break Pressure Tanks (BPT) were strategically placed to achieve this pressure reduction. The chosen pipe materials and their placement ensure the long-term reliability and functionality of the water supply system, while considering maintenance convenience and terrain characteristics.

Toward improved river basin management for sustainable community-based water supply systems and community development in North-West Cameroon

Toward improved river basin management for sustainable community-based water supply systems and community development in North-West Cameroon

CURRENT AND FUTURE CHALLENGES FOR BETTER WATER SUPPLY SUSTAINABILITY IN SOMALIA

: Maintaining water supply is linked to our daily routine and is a vital issue for every individual in Somalia and around the world. Sustainable water supply systems should provide an adequate quantity and quality of water for a given demand without compromising future capacity to expand that volume and superiority. Water frameworks in the realm of sustainable progress must not include exploitation of water in the strict sense, but must include frameworks in which the use of water is generally required. Water is accordingly at the center of climate change adaptation as it is the central link between the climate system, mortal society and the environment. For Somalia, water is the mainstay of social, economic, and environmental growth and component. Nevertheless, the increasing pressure on water and the associated disaster is a growing problem. Somalia is a water scarce country with just 411 cum of renewable freshwater per capita (as of 2017 [01]) (World Bank, 2020). This is a glaring decline over time from 2,087 cum in 1962 [2] (ibid.) and far below the initial figure of 1,000 cum per capita per time advocated by UN. In the face of rapid population growth, the deteriorating superiority of groundwater resources due to overexploitation, overpopulation, and pollution poses an additional challenge. In addition, these threats are exacerbated by climate change, which has manifested itself in alternating waterfalls and water scarcity. As the mean periodic water decline is projected to increase by 1%, 3%, and 4% by 2030, 2050, and 2080, respectively [3] (using the 1981-2000 reference period) (FGS, 2015), and combined with increasing variability, more severe failures and cataracts are expected in the coming years. Climate change, environmental degradation, and the increasing struggle for scarce water, strained rangelands, and other natural reserves are the main causes of insubstantiality, degradation, risky poverty, and food insecurity.

Free, but not microplastic-free, drinking water from outdoor refill kiosks: A challenge and a wake-up call for urban management

Free refill drinking water kiosks are an essential sustainable water supply system for people in metropolitan areas worldwide. Despite their importance in urban settings, the impact of microplastic contamination remains elusive. Here, we investigated the occurrence and characteristics of microplastics in drinking-water samples collected from 22 self-distributed refill kiosks located in 14 multiuse urban parks spread across nine municipalities in Mexico City (Mexico). The results showed that microplastics were detected in all the samples, with an overall mean concentration of 74.18 ± 48.76 microplastics L−1. The abundance of microplastics was significantly different between sampled kiosks, ranging from 23 ± 11.31 to 202 ± 28.39 microplastics L−1. There were more fibrous microplastics (88%) than fragments (9%) and films (3%), with the majority (56%) being <200 μm in length. They were predominantly transparent (85%), with only a few being colored (15%; blue, red, green, and brown). Attenuated Total Reflection-Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy further revealed microplastics of various polymer types, including polyvinyl alcohol, high-density polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl acetate, ethylene vinyl alcohol, acrylic, alkyd resin, and viscose. Based on our findings, drinking water from urban refill kiosks exposes children more than adults to microplastics. Furthermore, the steps that should be taken at urban refill kiosks to prevent microplastic pollution while offering recreational services to people have been highlighted. Therefore, this first study serves as a wake-up call to urban water management to improve the safety of water from emerging pollutants like microplastics in the infrastructure of refill kiosks.

Recent Advances in Water Harvesting: A Review of Materials, Devices and Applications

Water is essential for life. However, water scarcity is becoming one of the most severe issues worldwide in terms of its potential impacts. There are diverse forms of water on earth and water harvesting from them is quite feasible to access more fresh water for drinking, sanitation and irrigation. In this review, we summarize the recent technologies of various water harvesters, based on different forms of water resources, aiming to improve the water harvesting systems. We mainly address three points: forming principles of different water circumstance, working mechanism of typical water harvesters, and the challenges and future research orientations. This systemic review on recent technologies in water harvesting provides insight into the sustainable water resources, water supply, and water collecting systems for the future.

Efficient Metaheuristic Algorithms for a Robust and Sustainable Water Supply and Wastewater Collection System

An efficient design of a water supply and wastewater collection system is significantly important to tackle the natural uncertainty of this system and the sustainable development goals in developing countries like Iran. To address the natural uncertainty in the water supply and the challenge of global warming, this design must be robust and this motivates a robust optimization. To consider the sustainability criteria, this design should cover all economic, environmental and social impacts. Hence, this study develops innovative solutions based on recent and traditional metaheuristic algorithms for a robust and sustainable water supply and wastewater collection system. Red deer algorithm (RDA) and Keshtel algorithm (KA) as the recent algorithms, are employed. These recent algorithms are compared with the state-of-the-art methods like genetic algorithm (GA) and particle swarm optimization (PSO). An application of our model and algorithms, is tested on a case study in North Khorasan province. After performing some analyses on the performance of our algorithms and sensitivities on the model, a discussion is provided to conclude managerial insights and findings for practitioners in the applied system.

Trends in sustainable water supply systems and society development with a declining population

Trends in sustainable water supply systems and society development with a declining population

Sustainable water supply system and community development with a declining population

Sustainable water supply system and community development with a declining population

Integration of social, economic, and environmental dimensions in designing rural water supply systems, A study in Sri Lanka

This present study attempted to understand the applicability of the existing social and environmental determinants in rural communities to design and manage a water supply system and to introduce a novel approach to incorporate concepts of the social-environmental index (SEI) with principal component analysis (PCA) and water quality monitoring. On top of that, identification of ground-level strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) to implement a sustainable water supply system in the study area. Semi-structured questionnaire surveys were analyzed (n = 110 in Bulathkohupitiya, Deiyanwala, and Ganepalla and n = 100 in Anhettigama, Theligama, and Miyanawita sampling sites) among water-deficient communities through random sampling techniques to explore socio-economic, demographic, and environmental factors. Related to water analysis, the water quality of water sources was monitored. Then, PCA was conducted, SEI was calculated, and key informants and focus group discussion were followed to understand stakeholder perspectives. Finally, SWOT was conducted to assess the sustainable implementation of RWSS. In terms of SEI, Bulathkohupitiya (SEI = 1869.7) and Miyanawita (SEI = 765.2) were higher significance areas for water supply and sanitation improvement. SWOT analysis highlighted the elevated total coliform and Escherichia coli bacterial colonies of potential water sources alarmed the risk of fecal contaminations upstream and expressed a need for ensuring the safe drinking treated water in the locality. The key stakeholders asserted water and sanitation as a key issue intersectional with health, economic, and social aspects while focus group discussions pointed the women participation in water supply and sanitation.

Environmental flows in integrated sustainable water resource management in Tuyamuyin water reservoir, Uzbekistan

Climate change is causing extreme recession of the mountain glaciers in Central Asia. Also increased evapotranspiration from higher temperatures in arid and semi-arid zones in Uzbekistan. Additionally, climate change has an effect increased exceptional water deficits. In such scenarios Environmental despite for a more sustainable water supply system, available reservoir capacity. Central Asia unlock watershed region, its main rivers are the Amu Darya and the Syr Darya, and its key problems of the region the efficient use of water from these rivers. Supplying water to the Khorezm oasis and Karakalpakstan, Tuyamuyin reservoir is the main water resource. With an increasing population of the region and Aral Sea ecological problems, mounting demand exists for a more sustainable water supply system. Water reservoirs of Central Asian river contribute to the improvement of water resources management in the lower part of the region and thus, play a strategic role in regional water supplication. 70% of Central Asia is arid and semi-arid regions and therefore, water supply for irrigation and population purposes is the main water sector of all Central Asian countries.