Abstract:
Losses in water distribution system is an important issue that could affect water companies and
their consumers worldwide. Losses could be caused by various factors and be considered as the
amount of potable water loss from a supply source in transmission and distribution system. The
need to manage water loss in pipe networks of most municipalities became urgent in recent years
due to water shortages. The aim of this study was estimation of the water supply coverage of Adama
City and total water loss in the distribution system. Surveys, key informant interviews, focus group
discussion, and direct observation was used to triangulate the findings of the quantitative survey.
The sampling techniques was utilized by clustered and software such as WaterCADV8i and GIS
map10 to analysis. SPSS software was also used to analysis primary data. The study was carried
out in nine Kebele and the population which water used in current 245,000 and the study would
identify and analysis the water supply coverage and total water loss in distribution system in
Adama City. The finding of this study showed that water supply coverage and water loss in Adama
estimated in the order of 70% and 24.7% respectively. The coverage of the city water supply
declines over time from 2009-2013. However, floating population who shares from the daily water
proceed, additional number of University and college students, hospitals, and health centers
contributed to the water shortage of the city. In 2014 water supply coverage were increases
comparing with 2013, because drilling five different boreholes to be utilized the coverage. The
water loss trend of the city was fluctuated from year to year. This could be due to road, and starhotels construction in Adama and breakage of pipes was occurred, and this maximized water loss.
Water loss was increases in 2014 comparing with 2013 because expansion of construction. This
study found out average per capita consumption was much lower as compared with some water
supply standards. Uneven distribution of water and the spatial distribution of the pipe network
system do not satisfy the demand of the public. The water loss in Adama city was intermediate and
loss was increase and decrease, depending on time of construction and awareness creation between
people. Recommendations on better water supply coverage and water loss management for Adama
would be operation and maintenance strategy, drilling additional borehole and Proper sized pipes
during the implementation of the project.
