Hydraulic Modeling of Existing Water Supply Distribution System: A Case Study in Bedele Town

Abstract

Water supply distribution system modeling is a way of representing, assessing, and approximating the real water supply distribution system behavior and operational conditions using computer software to address shortfalls faced by water utilities. The distribution systems in Bedele Town have been experiencing intermittent water supply. The current water supply system cannot meet the needs of the town's current beneficiaries, especially during peak hours when water is in short supply. Pumps and motors (electromechanical equipment) aren't working properly. Filling the current 1000m3 water reservoir is challenging and time-consuming. Additionally, new demand loads from surrounding boundaries are factored into the sub systems, which were not taken into account when the original water supply was designed. As a result, there is a gap in the system between current supply and predicted demand, making it critical to produce this research for the Bedele town water supply distribution system in order to identify the main problem and provide viable solutions. The goal of this study is to model the entire water supply distribution system of Bedele town water supply distribution networks in order to provide guidance and awareness for municipal officials in the town to better evaluate and make decisions about the town's future water distribution system. The study didn't include water quality aspects. The model was prepared using waterGEMSV8i, Google earth, Global mapper and DEM softwares. To prepare the model, various primary and secondary data sources were gathered and analyzed. After running the model for both steady state and EPS, the head loss in the distribution line, the capacity of the existing pump to deliver water, reservoir filling, and distribution system pressures, head losses, flows, and velocities were modeled. As a result on the existing pressure line from treatment plant to existing reservoir, PL-33,PL-34 AND PL-35 showed negative pressure of -35.53m,-37.83m, and -10.81m respectively which indicates that the pumps are working beyond their capacity and not delivering sufficient amount of water. This result shows the HGL drops below the elevation profile implying high headless causing for intermittent supply of water and cause for frequently damage of the electromechanical equipment, and this problem can be solved by providing Booster station at intermediate location between PL-15 and PL-17. The model was remodeled for future by providing the booster pump whether the booster pump can solve the problem or not and the result showed that the problem solved by providing booster pump and improving system capacity.