Assessing Water Supply Coverage and Water Losses in Distribution System: A Case Study of Debre Birhan Town, Ethiopia

Abstract

Safe drinking water is necessity for life. Debre Birhan town is currently facing water shortage duo to the shortfall supply, increasing water demand and large expansion of urbanization. This study mainly focuses on the status of water supply coverage and losses in Debre Birhan town using statistical analyse, t echnical performance and water audit software. A statistical analysis was applied to analyse the current water supply coverage of the entire town and to develop distribution coverage map using Arc GIS software. The technical performance measurement was eva luated by benchmarking the design document and current states of utility. Water audit software was also used to analyze water loss components and the efficiency of the system was evaluated using different performance indicators. Additionally discussions were made with stakeholders to support the quantitative analysis and water meter test to quantify the water loss. From the result of the analysis, it was observed that the average daily per capita water consumption of the town is 34 l/cap./day and the average in-house or yard connection 39%. The water loss is relatively medium up to 21.5% of system input volume. Generally, the results of this study emphasize the decision makers in utility to achieve effective, efficient and sustainable water supply system.