ASSESSMENT OF HYDRAULIC PERFORMANCE IN EXISTING WATER SUPPLY DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM: BIRBIR TOWN, GAMO ZONE, SNNPR, ETHIOPIA

Abstract

Hydraulic parameters (pressure, velocity, headloss and flow) performance competences in urban water distribution system have a great positive impact for advancement of society. The objective of this study is to investigate the hydraulic parameters performance of Birbir town's current water distribution system by the required demand, system input volume production, and non revenue water. Both primary and secondary data sources were used in this analysis. Primary data was gathered via in-person interviews, questionnaires, field surveys, and pictures of relevant infrastructure. Through papers, journals, and design documentation, secondary data was acquired. Hydraulic parameters competence permissible ranges during peak demand and minimum demand periods were identified using WaterGEMS software to judge performance level in distribution system. The results showed that the system loses 22.79% of the total volume of water generated. The findings of the model performance show that at peak hour demand consumption, 87.88% of pressure and 30.3% of pipe flow velocity are not in permissible ranges, which are specified as 10 mH2o to 70 mH2o and 0.6 m/s to 2 m/s, respectively. Following modification, 100 % of pressure and 74.24 % of velocity at minimum hour demand and peak hour demand consumption respectively were rectified. As a general conclusion, the average domestic per capital consumption estimated i.e. 13.58 l/c/day is much lower than 32.58% coverage supply reported by the town. After water demand need assessment conclusion, the current water supply couldn’t satisfy the current demand requirement due to extra water service connection and pipe installation than estimated due to urbanization and periphery water demand needs. The town's water distribution system's overall hydraulic performance was poor, as evidenced by the lack of velocity and pressure within allowable ranges. As a result, it is important to modify and enhance the water distribution system by predicting water demand need assessments principals, providing town peripheral area water supply infrastructural plan, interpreting model output results, computing nodal demand as town appropriate, and policies to reduce water losses enacting