Water Supply Situation Research Articles

Analysis of Household Water Demand and Supply Challenges in Mubi Metropolis, Adamawa State-Nigeria: A Search for a Sustainable Water Security Solution

This study assesses the water demand and supply situation in Mubi Metropolis, Adamawa State, Nigeria, with a focus on identifying sustainable water security solutions. The study deployed the use of mixed method in order to achieve its specific objectives. Findings reveal a moderate willingness to pay (WTP) for improved water services, averaging ₦15,650 (Math input error 14.19) and reaching up to ₦48,000 ($28.24), constitutes 9.42% of income—far exceeding the WHO benchmark of 3-5% and imposing significant financial strain, particularly on low-income households. Per capita water consumption stands at 28.93 liters, far below the WHO-recommended 100 liters, highlighting a severe deficit of 71.07 liters per person. Income disparity and high poverty levels exacerbate water insecurity, while dissatisfaction with water quality persists, as most households rely on costly and inconsistent private boreholes (mai-ruwa) for supply. Key drivers of water demand challenges include population growth, seasonal variability, socio-economic activities, and the presence of institutions, compounded by weak policy enforcement and the effects of conflict. To address these challenges, the study recommends investment in public water infrastructure, income-based pricing, cross-subsidization for low-income households, and community-based water schemes. Additionally, improving water quality through treatment plants, fostering public-private partnerships, and strengthening policy enforcement are crucial. Enhancing resilience to seasonal variability and implementing conflict-sensitive interventions are also vital.

Investigating the Water Demand and Supply Situation in Baljurashi Governorate, Saudi Arabia

This study examines the water demand and supply situation in the Baljurashi Governorate of Saudi Arabia during 2018, along with the anticipated changes in these dynamics as a result of upcoming project scenarios from 2018 to 2030. The Water Evaluation and Planning Tool (WEAP) model was utilized to analyze both current and projected domestic water distribution in the region through 2030. Initially, an assessment of current water demand and supply for household use was conducted. Relevant data were collected from a local branch of the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture (MEWA) in Baljurashi Governorate. This data was input into the WEAP model, which then produced projections for water demand, supplied resources, and unmet needs based on the reference scenario pertaining to the current accounting year. The findings revealed no unmet water demand, according to the model results. To enhance future water availability, the expansion of the Um-ghaith reservoir as a new water source is to be taken into consideration.

Assessing the water metabolism of coastal urban areas based on the water mass balance framework across time periods: A case study of Cape Town, South Africa

Assessing the water metabolism of coastal urban areas based on the water mass balance framework across time periods: A case study of Cape Town, South Africa

An Assessment of Groundwater Potential for Water Supply in Misau and Dambam Local Government Areas of Bauchi State, Nigeria

This study aimed at assessing groundwater potential in Misau and Dambam areas of Bauchi State, Nigeria. Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) survey was also conducted to carry out the study. Five thematic maps were generated for weighted overlay. Descriptive statistics was used to analysed data on water supply situation, aquifer parameters were analysed using standard table where porosity and permeability were calculated. The VES data was analysed using ipi2win, thematic maps were produced through overlay analysis using extension of ArcGIS 10.4. VES result reveals the existence of about three to four geologic layers in the study area which constitute the topsoil, weathered rock, weathered/fractured rock, fractured basement, and fresh basement rock. Nine out of the thirteen soundings conducted were found to be of good in nature while the only non-promising aquifers were found in Jalam Kukadi, Hardawa PHC, Bada Koshi, Dambam A Bam. Five groundwater potential zones were determined which are very low 354 km2 (15%), low 393 km2 (15%), moderate 416 km2 (20%), high 436 km2 (25%), and very high 497 km2 (25%). Drainage is the most important factor affecting groundwater occurrence with 25% which is the highest followed by geology with 22%. It can be concluded that 50% of the study area was characterized under high, and very high groundwater potential. It is recommended that areas with poor groundwater potentials government and non-governmental organizations should provide them with an alternative source of water to aid them during periods of difficulties.

Effect of Water Tank Size and Supply on Greenhouse-Grown Kidney Beans Irrigated by Rainwater in Cold and Arid Regions of North China

In response to water scarcity in the Bashang area of northwest Hebei Province, a cold and arid region in north China, and to address the diminishing groundwater levels caused by pumping irrigation, this study investigated the impact of rainwater tank size and water supply on kidney beans production in greenhouses under various precipitation scenarios to determine the production potential and development strategies for regional precipitation resources. Under the background of average annual precipitation, kidney bean yield increased with increasing reservoir volume and shorter irrigation cycles. Under a 4-day irrigation cycle, the water demand satisfaction rate of kidney beans reached 100% water demand when the rainwater tank size was 15.7 m3. Against the wide variation in multi-year regional precipitation from 1992 to 2023, the annual effect of rainwater harvest was simulated using precipitation data collected 20 years with an 80% precipitation guarantee rate. The average minimum yield reduction rate obtained was 9.4%, and the corresponding minimum rainwater tank size was 29.5 m3. By superimposing the rainwater harvested in the shed and nonshed areas, the volume of the reservoir without yield reduction could be reduced to 20.0 m3. The sum of discharged and inventory water was much greater than the water scarcity in each water supply situation. Simulating and analyzing the effect of the relationship between rainwater tank size and water supply on rainwater harvesting in regional farmland by year provides important data affecting the construction of regional rainwater storage facilities and water supply efficiency. To achieve a high, stable yield of kidney beans grown in a greenhouse with shed film and shed area rainwater harvesting in north China, 2.6 m3 supplementary groundwater irrigation is still needed during the annual growing season.

Anthropogenic Drivers of Spatial Trends in Groundwater Quality in the Upper Athi River Basin of Kenya, East Africa

Rapid urbanization and population growth in the upper Athi River basin in Kenya have increased the strain on the sub catchments water supply and sanitation situation. Due to increasing demand, inadequate supply of drinking water and lack of sanitation facilities, people in the sub-catchment are increasingly reliant on groundwater as a primary or supplementary water source. However, the use of on-site wastewater systems and agricultural pollution, mainly from runoff containing fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, and faeces, pose a threat to groundwater in the sub catchment. Subsequently, the current study was conducted in the Thiririka sub catchment, Kiambu County, Kenya, to determine the safety of groundwater sources and to examine the factors influencing groundwater quality in the catchment area. This study assessed the influence of anthropogenic activities on the physical, chemical, and bacteriological quality of groundwater in the Upper Athi River basin of Kenya between April and June 2022. Twenty variables were analyzed and compared with water quality standards to determine hydro chemical characteristics, evidence of contamination, and suitability of groundwater. Shallow wells (SW) had higher concentrations of major ions and key parameters than boreholes (BH), such as alkalinity (7%), turbidity (96%), nitrates (92%), sulfates (48%), phosphates (93%), chlorides (77%), potassium (84%), sodium (30%) and fecal coliforms (99%) significant at p < 0.01. Concentrations of eleven water quality variables however were comparable in both systems. Farming, animal husbandry, and pit latrines were negatively but significantly correlated with the water quality of SW explaining substantial amounts of variation (≤ 45%) in concentrations of water quality variables. Ionic and coliform levels increased with decreasing distance and vice versa. IDW interpolation maps were generated in ArcGIS software to determine the spatial variability of groundwater quality in the basin. Anthropogenic activities such as pit latrines and animal husbandry impaired the quality of groundwater which in most cases was not potable.

Application of Network Reconstruction Algorithm to Compute Maximum Flow for Water Supply Network: A Case Study of the City of Bulawayo, Zimbabwe

Determining the maximum flow value in Water Supply Networks (WSN) is a common problem that is being faced by many cities during and after designing of WSN. In this article, the network reconstruction (NR) algorithm is applied to compute the maximum flow value for the city’s WSN based on the actual data. The city of Bulawayo has been selected for the following reasons, availability of research data, the city is facing severe water shedding and several studies have focused only on other issues such as alternative water sources, leakage detection and demand forecasting. The goal of this study is to determine the maximum flow value from the sources to the reservoirs. The results have revealed that the computed maximum flow value is within the estimated range of 110,000 cubic meters to 190,000 cubic meters. Dam sensitivity analysis were considered to determine the sources to give maintenance priority before the rain season. Several recommendations were suggested to improve the water supply situation.

Area prioritising criteria during phased conversion from intermittent to continuous water supply: The case study of Lusaka Water Supply and Sanitation Company, Zambia

ABSTRACT Conversion from intermittent to continuous water supply is a recommended approach for improving water supply service to communities. The conversion process is complex and requires huge financial and human resources investments. Because such resources are always limited and cannot be adequately provided at once, phased conversion is encouraged. However, there are challenges with this approach in terms of which areas should be prioritized during the conversion process so that the water supply situation for the unconverted areas is not aggravated. This article uses a questionnaire and semi-structured interviews to identify the criteria for prioritising areas to be converted during phased conversion to continuous water supply from a water utility perspective. The Lusaka Water Supply and Sanitation Company is used as a case study. Results show that the financial sustainability of the utility company is the major criterion for selecting an area to be prioritized. In countries like Zambia where tariff structures are such that industries subsidise domestic water consumption and the affluent subsidise water consumed by the poor, prioritising financial sustainability entails giving priority to areas where high revenues are expected. This is synonymous with giving priority to the affluent or the middle-class areas with high densities of water consumers.

Assessment of Factors Impacting Water Supply Services in Lusaka District: A Case of Lusaka Water Supply and Sanitation Company

The water supply situation in Lusaka district faces numerous challenges related to reliability, accessibility, and sustainability of water supply services. Despite a population of 3,079,964, only 134,807 household connections were established by LWSC in 2022. With a record 4.5% population increase from 2022 to 2023, the demand for water stands at over 420,000 cubic meters per day, while LWSC produces 250,000 cubic meters per day. Groundwater, accounting for 57% of LWSC's water, is threatened by land development and pollution. Meanwhile, 45% of the population relies on site sanitation, contributing to groundwater pollution, the very source LWSC is dependent upon. Lusaka faces low or no water supply, an average of 18 hours per day. Despite existing research on the peri-urban water supply, a gap remains in addressing the challenges of rapidly growing urban areas like Lusaka. This study aims to fill this gap by providing a comprehensive analysis focusing on the unique challenges faced by LWSC, such as land development, population growth, and climate change. The research will offer practical solutions for sustainable water supply management in Lusaka and similar contexts. The research philosophy employed for this study is interpretivism, as it allows for a deep understanding of the subjective experiences and perceptions of experts involved in the water supply sector in Lusaka. This approach aligns with the qualitative nature of the research, which aims to explore and understand the complex interactions between various factors influencing water supply services in the district. The findings of the study reveal that climate change, population growth, and land development are significant factors influencing water supply services in Lusaka. Erratic rainfall patterns and prolonged droughts have led to challenges in water availability and quality, while rapid population growth has increased the demand for water supply services, putting pressure on the existing infrastructure. Unplanned land development has also led to challenges in water supply services, particularly in areas with shallow water tables that are vulnerable to groundwater pollution. The study recommends investing in climate-resilient infrastructure, diversifying water sources, enhancing water conservation practices, and strengthening land use planning regulations to address these challenges and ensure the sustainability of water supply services in Lusaka.

Optimal allocation of urban and rural water supply in coastal water shortage cities: The case of Yingkou City

AbstractCoastal cities play a significant role in regional economic development and national water resource supply. However, the shortage of water resources in coastal cities has become a bottleneck for sustainable economic, social and ecological development. As a typical coastal city in Liaoning province, China, Yingkou has a relatively developed economy, but faces increasingly serious water shortages. Taking Yingkou as a case study, this study analysed the current situation of urban and rural water supply and conducted a rational estimation of the water supply and demand based on the time series method in the short‐term (2025) and long‐term (2035). Then, the allocation of urban and rural water supply was carried out on the principle of priority use of surface water, sufficient use of diverted water, expanding use of unconventional water and limited use of underground water. To achieve the optimal scheme, the method of ‘allocation‐feedback‐regulation‐reallocation’ was adopted to coordinate the water sources and consumption in different districts and sectors. Overall, the results clarified the red line of water consumption in 2025 and 2035 and defined water consumption and water sources in different sectors and districts. Finally, the water supply and demand balance in Yingkou and its subdistricts was achieved with surplus water rates of 6% and 7% in 2025 and 2035, respectively. Based on these results, suggestions for the sustainable development and utilization of water resources in Yingkou and coastal cities were proposed.

Analysis of Spatial and Temporal Variation in Sustainable Water Resources and Their Use Based on Improved Combination Weights

The sustainable use of water resources has become increasingly crucial given the present water supply and demand situation. In this study, the degree of sustainable water resource utilization in Harbin City from 2014 to 2021 was calculated using a fuzzy identification model with a combination of the “sequential relationship analysis method (G1) and coefficient of variation method (CVM)” and 18 evaluation indicators retrieved for water resources, reflecting social, economic, and ecological aspects. The study shows that (1) in terms of the research method, the combined weighting of “G1-CVM” is a feasible approach to avoid the shortcomings of single weighting and (2) in terms of the evaluation of water resources sustainable utilization, the spatial distribution of water resources in each district (county) of Harbin City has been stable over the past 8 years. The spatial distribution pattern is relatively stable, with the three regions of Binxian, Bayan, and Shuangcheng showing better sustainable water resource utilization and the three regions of Tonghe County, including the main urban area and Wuchang City, showing deteriorating sustainable water resource utilization. As a whole, the spatial distribution of sustainable water resources in the 13 districts (counties) of Harbin City from 2014 to 2021 shows a negative correlation, with the main urban area, Wuchang City, Hulan District, Bayan County, Shuangcheng District, and Yilan County showing a clustering type in the local spatial autocorrelation analysis. Based on the evaluation results, the spatial and temporal distribution characteristics of the sustainable use of water resources in Harbin are identified and found to be conducive to the timely adjustment of water resources allocation and the rational use of water resources in each district (county). Meanwhile, the research ideas and methods used in this paper can be applied to research on the sustainable use of water resources in other regions.

Optimization of urban water pipe network design using fast-messy genetic algorithms (fmGA)

Abstract To have an efficient water distribution network, optimal design alternatives need to be identified and analysed using combined hydraulic modelling and optimization. This paper reports on the application of the fast-messy genetic algorithm (fmGA) coupled with hydraulic modelling tool EPANET to assess and select an optimum design and operational alternative for a water distribution pipe network. The sole objective of the optimization modelling was to minimize network costs subject to hydraulic and design constraints. The fmGA was first tested using the benchmark case study of the Hanoi network and then applied to the real network of Maun, Botswana which is considered as the case study. We have compared our results of the fmGA model application with other optimization techniques applied to the Hanoi network. The findings of the test revealed that the fmGA is superior to other popular metaheuristic optimization methods in terms of processing speed with comparable accuracy and pressure constraints fulfilled for all nodes. It also provides the best solution. For the water distribution network of Maun, the best pipeline configuration and route were determined, in which Configuration B is found to be the best and least cost solution to improve the water supply situation in Maun.

Insights for lake restoration and water supply management in hilly regions

AbstractWater resources around the world are facing serious threats attributable to various natural and anthropogenic activities. Civil societies around the world, including India, are facing increasing difficulty in the allocation and sustainable use of their available water resources. Many lakes and rivers, the major surface water sources in India, are highly polluted and on the verge of depletion. Accordingly, there is a growing interest in protecting the ecosystem services provided by the lakes and rivers using several management approaches for lake rejuvenation and conservation. A similar study focusing on water supply situation and its restoration was performed in Nainital, a major hill town located in the state of Uttarakhand. The lake water level has been declining in recent years, raising serious concerns. To address this issue, a plan has been developed to address the decreasing lake level and conserving this vital water supply source for the town. The present study provides an integrated framework enabling conservation practitioners to strategically implement water conservation actions to balance both the ecosystem and societal water needs.

BITING THE BULLET: THE CASE OF HOUSEHOLDS’ RESILIENCE TO WATER SUPPLY AND SANITATION DEFICIT IN NIGERIA

This study conceptually assesssed household resilience to water supply and sanitation deficit in Nigeria. It expressed water supply and sanitation situation in Nigeria in terms of historical background and organisation structure of water supply and sanitation and highlighted cases of water supply and sanitation across states and geopolitical zones to reflect the precarious water supply and sanitation condition in Nigeria. Coping strategies that households have adopted in addressing water supply and sanitation deficit were categorised into four: enhancing or supplementing available quantity of water and quality of sanitation facilities; accommodating unreliable water supply supplies and lack of sanitation facilities; improving water and sanitation quality; and collective action and voice. These coping strategies are determined by household socioeconomic status and location (urban or rural) and the extent of unreliability of supply service and their adoption places serious health, financial and social implications on the households. The study concluded that inadequate water supply and sanitation impose significant coping burdens on households, making the household resilience a case of biting the bullet and proffered recommendations that aimed at mitigating water supply and sanitation deficit in Nigeria and other countries with similar background.

Optimal reservoir operation and risk analysis of agriculture water supply considering encounter uncertainty of precipitation in irrigation area and runoff from upstream

Optimal reservoir operation and risk analysis of agriculture water supply considering encounter uncertainty of precipitation in irrigation area and runoff from upstream

Assessment of Water Supply and Demand, a Case Study of Elfasher Rural Area-North Darfur State

This study was conducted in Elfasher Rural Area. The area is located within North Darfur State. The objectives of this study are to assess Water Supply and Demand Assessment in Rural of Elfasher and possible future scenarios; to provide and highlight the status of water resources in Elfasher Rural, and to give recommendations to take remedial actions and potential solutions for identified problems. The study includes the water supply situation in Elfasher Rural for different areas and evaluates the role of the community in the management part. The data collected from field visits and questionnaires were analyzed: It was found that the main problems in quality were the presence of Nitrate, hardness and bacteriological contamination in the hand pump. In the recommendations, some of them are conducting groundwater monitoring to test groundwater depletion. Promote surface water harvesting and aquifer artificial recharge. Taking immediate action to solve the problems that have been identified.

Construction of pollution risk early warning model for urban drinking water supply chain

Abstract In order to improve the efficiency of urban drinking water safety monitoring and early warning management, a pollution risk early warning model of urban drinking water supply chain is proposed. Firstly, the current situation of urban drinking water supply is analyzed and the causes of pollution are analyzed. Then, the autoregressive model is used to predict the time series of multiple water quality indicators by constantly introducing new monitoring data modes for the residual vector group, the outlier scores of each vector group are obtained by using the isolated forest algorithm to judge whether the water quality is abnormal or not, and the fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method is used to evaluate the level of the abnormal situation and carry out the corresponding level early warning. The experimental results show that the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve can reach 0.919 when using the prediction residual vector group of turbidity and conductivity to detect the numerical changes of water quality parameters in the drinking water supply chain, accurately predict the abnormal data, make early warning, and provide the guarantee for the survival of urban residents and urban development.

New software to analyze hydraulic incidents in Algeria

Fifteen percent of the total volume produced is lost, which has become a major problem for water resource management in Algeria. The number of high leakages reduces the performance of the drinking water supply network. The disturbance of the drinking water supply observed by the citizens resulted from several incidents occurring mainly on the axis of production or distribution (e.g., breakage, leakage, pollution, electrical problems, and drought). To manage these incidents and for water distribution monitoring in the high-level strategic plan, monitoring and control software was developed for the Algerian Water Company (ADE). This software is an essential tool that helps managers of water resources to monitor the water supply situation throughout the national territory to ameliorate water public services. This dynamic software has been in use since 2016.

Colorado’s groundwater reservoirs–-An underutilized resource

The impact of climate change, particularly in the semi-arid west, has created unprecedented challenges in maintaining a reliable water supply. The water levels in the two largest reservoirs in the U.S., Lake Mead and Lake Powell, are at historic low levels. Any further declines in their capacity also jeopardizes them as the largest producers of hydroelectric power in the southwestern U.S. These reservoirs are critical components of the Colorado River Compact that dictates water deliveries and obligations of all states in the basin. As Colorado is the headwater state, reduced flows in the Colorado River will have cascading ramifications to the rest of Colorado’s water supplies. Over 80% of Colorado’s water use is sourced from surface water in seven major river basins. Consequently, reservoir storage is a critical infrastructure component in managing this resource. The west slope contains 70% of the state’s surface water though only 11% of its population. This imbalance creates greater demands for moving west slope water to the Front Range metropolitan areas. Colorado also contains vast groundwater resources in numerous and varied aquifers across the state. Groundwater is mostly used for domestic water supply and supplies water to approximately 20% of the state’s population. Colorado’s groundwater resources are a vital and an under-utilized piece of the state’s water portfolio. Sustainable development of these resources for beneficial use could relieve some pressure on the state’s river systems particularly during drought cycles. Colorado’s alluvial and sedimentary bedrock aquifers also have a tremendous capacity to store more water. Aquifers offer natural capital infrastructure with storage, transmission, and treatment capabilities. Most importantly, storing water underground avoids the massive evaporation losses inherent in surface water reservoirs. The Colorado Water Plan focuses on a measurable objective for future water storage that includes groundwater through implementation of innovative technologies such as managed aquifer recharge. The state has sponsored a number of studies that have identified tens to hundreds of thousands of acre-feet of storage capacity in various aquifers. Unfortunately, the state has only recently promulgated rules and regulations for recharge and extraction in nontributary aquifers outside of the administrative Denver Basin. While a number of metropolitan water districts are exploring or implementing aquifer storage and recovery projects in the Denver Basin, no such operations have been implemented on the western slope. The current water supply situation presents a tremendous opportunity for hydrogeologists to identify and characterize suitable aquifers throughout the state for both water supply and storage.

Challenges and coping strategies of potable water supply systems in rural communities of Vhembe District Municipality, South Africa

Challenges with respect to potable water supply in Vhembe District threaten the health and welfare of local community. This paper is aimed at assessing the challenges and residents’ coping strategies to improve the potable water supply systems in rural areas in Vhembe District Municipality (VDM). Data for this paper was collected from households, councillors, traditional leaders and municipal officials through questionnaires, interviews and focus-group discussions. Qualitative and quantitative research methods were used and thematic content analysis and descriptive statistics were used to analyse data. The results showed that the main sources of water are ground water from boreholes which are used by about 45.3% of the communities, followed by tap water from the dams, by 35.3%, then rivers by 4.0%, fountains by 5.4% and water tankers by 10.0%. Among the identified challenges are: aged water infrastructure, system breakdowns, lack of funding, vandalism of infrastructure and lack of maintenance, operation of infrastructure by unskilled technicians, theft, and non-payment of water services, among others. To cope with water supply challenges, the study recommended that communities play active role in water projects which would include paying of water supply service for its sustainability. They should also play active roles in water committees that will manage, operate and maintain the water supply with the assistance of VDM officials. It was concluded that the rural water supply situation can be improved when communities, government and other relevant stakeholders cooperate and provide solutions and resources.