ASSESSEMENT OF THE HYDRAULIC PERFORMANCE OF GAMBELLA TOWN WATER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS USING WATERGEMS

Abstract

Water loss is a vital challenge in the water supply systems especially in distribution network. Hence, this study aimed to assess the hydraulic performance of water distribution network using Water GEMS in Gambella town. The water demand in the study area was estimated based on the future population forecasting and per capita water consumption method. The average water production and water consumption as aggregated from individual contracts (customer meters) were used as an input in the analysis of water loss which account for about 45% of the loss. The WaterGEMS has been used for analysis of collected data. The result of the analysis shows that 96 % of junctions are in the allowable pressure ranges of minimum 10m and maximum 70m, the remained 4% of junctions are above the permissible range. The analysis of the velocity of the water in the pipes of the distribution system show that 80% of pipes are also below the minimum velocity. While only 20% of pipes are in the permissible velocity ranges (average 0.3m/s- 3m/s) and that no velocities are above permissible velocity ranges. The problems include inconsistent performance of the water supply system; low service by the distribution system and per capita demand and intermittent mode of water supply due to electric power fluctuation, high water loss due to leakage and the pressure in the water distribution system. Therefore, more attention to water loss reduction policies and strategies are vital for remedial measures.