Hydraulic and Utility Performance Evaluation of Ataye Town Water Distribution Network, Ethiopia: case for small towns in developing countries

Abstract

Evaluating hydraulic and utility performance of water distribution network is a way to check the functionality degree of a system. Water CAD software was used in developing a model and evaluating the hydraulic performance of water distribution system of Ataye Town, Amhara Region, Ethiopia. Both steady state and extended period simulation analysis were carried out to determine hydraulic parameters (pressure and velocity). The model was calibrated using Darwin Calibrator and validity was checked by both correlation coefficient and scatter plot. The utility performance was also evaluated using international water association performance indicators. The simulated result for steady state analysis showed that 68.7% of the nodes operated within optimum adopted pressure (15-60 meter) and 93% of the distribution pipes had a velocity of <0.6 m/s which was a minimum adopted velocity. For extended period simulation 34.3% during maximum demand time and 16.8% during minimum consumption hours had pressure <15meters. 10.8% had negative pressure during maximum demand hours located at Sudan, Selama, and Zigba sefer and 14 nodes (8.4%) during low consumption time had a pressure greater than 60meter, which was a maximum adopted pressure. The areas of high pressure were located at around mosque, Worku Hotel and Hamus Gebaya. The distribution system performs within the adopted pressure at minimum demand time (74.7%) and maximum consumption hours (65.1%). 23.5% of the systems had a velocity of 0.6-2 m/s and the rest had a velocity less than 0.6m/s during high demand time. During low consumption hours, 100% of the system velocity was estimated to be <0.6m/s. Based on the IWA performance indicators, water utility of Ataye Town was evaluated and had low, technical, financial, personnel, and environmental performances. Finally, the distribution system was modified and optimized by providing alternative connections with pressure reducing valves and changing pipe diameter to improve the hydraulic performance and reduce system disruption of the Town.

Keywords: Extended period simulation; Hydraulic performance; IWA Utility performance; Steady state analysis; Water CAD