Optimization of Water Distribution System Using WaterGEMS: The Case of Wukro Town, Ethiopia

Abstract

This study was aimed to optimize the designed water distribution system in the Wukro town using WaterGEMS model. The Darwin Designer in WaterGEMS was applied for finding optimal pipe diameter to supply adequate quantity of water at satisfactory pressures to the end users. In the WaterGEMS model, the Darwin Scheduler of daily pumping operations tools also used for optimal control and operation of pump systems. The WaterGEMS model was implemented in water distribution networks which include 117 pipes (40.67km), 99 demand nodes (equivalent to 50480 end users) that are spread across a hilly area over a 1989m to 2046m elevation gradient. The model was calibrated at the selected nodes within very good performance. The results have shown that the maximum pressure before optimization is 31.1m and after optimization increased to 38.1m, the minimum pressure on the former is 7.9m and 16m later during peak hour demand. Comparison of results showed that the optimized networks reduce the cost by 9.6% than those of before optimization networks by traditional hydraulic. In addition to this, the optimal tanks filling/emptying arrangement decreased the daily cost of energy consumptions by 12.5% compare as a currently scheduled pump. The finding of this study indicated that the WaterGEMS model is a promising approach for optimal sizing of pipes in design water distribution networks and pumping operational schedules.

Overview of WaterGEMS Software: Applications in Optimizing Water Distribution Systems and Addressing Water Scarcity

“…Similarly, the demand at junction 67 rose from 54 liters per minute in 2020 to 86 liters per minute by 2050 (details in Table 1). This indicates an increasing trend in both pipe flow and junction demand due to population growth over the decades [14]. Based on the results, the authors warn that water shortages are imminent in this locality and are likely to escalate sharply without timely measures to develop new water sources and construct additional storage tanks.…”

Complexities of the urban drinking water systems in Ethiopia and possible interventions for sustainability

“…A few researchers have attempted to assess the issues and challenges of UDWS in specific cities in Ethiopia (i.e., not at the Ethiopian level but in the selected city), but all were focused on specific topics and cities. For instance (Alemu & Dioha, 2020 ; Kitessa et al, 2021a , 2021b ) on water supply and demand in Addis Ababa city; (Getachew et al, 2021 ; Gizachew et al, 2020 ; Yimer & Geberkidan, 2020 ) on water quality/environmental issues; (Bhagat et al, 2019 ; Berhane & Aregaw, 2020 ; Venkata and Sudheer 2018 ) on technical issues related to WDS and non-revenue water, whereas (Debela, 2021 ; Kayaga et al, 2018 ) on institution and governance issues. It may be noticed that only a few studies were carried out to focus on the challenges of UDWS in very few Ethiopian cities (not at the Ethiopian level).…”