Geospatial Design of Optimal Water Distribution Network in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria

Abstract

The supply of water to both rural and urban centres of Nigeria is extremely poor with reference to quantity and access. The study investigated water distribution and supply in Ado-Ekiti metropolis applying a geospatial approach, with a view to generating baseline information to optimize water supply and distribution in the metropolis. Materials used included: a map of Ado-Ekiti with a scale of 1:50000 obtained from the Local Government Office, Ado-Ekiti water distribution facility map (2000) with a scale of 1:30000 obtained from the Ado-Ekiti State Water Corporation and population estimate of Ado-Ekiti from the Bureau of Statistics. Sets of structured questionnaires were used to get information from the residents and the State's Water Corporation. The study delineated existing water distribution network of the metropolis, provided (i) a map of the service areas, (ii) information on areas with distribution problems and (iii) the per capita demand of the population as inferred from the questionnaires. A lasting solution was also proffered through the design of a water distribution network for the estimated daily water demand for the years 2019 and 2049 irrespective of the variation in water needs of the residents in the area. The Geospatial approach was found to be useful in improving the distribution system through extension of pipelines and identification of various locations for service reservoirs.