Evaluation of a Municipal Water Distribution Network Using waterCAD and waterGEMS.

Abstract

The pressure exerted on a water distribution system due to population increase and aging of the system amounts to routine assessment of its functionality. waterCAD and waterGEMS software was used comparatively in evaluating the serviceability of the water distribution system of Federal University of Agriculture Makurdi. A steady state analysis was also carried out to determine hydraulic parameters such as pressure, velocity, head loss, and flow rate. The result of the statistical analysis revealed that both simulators can be used interchangeably since there were no statistical differences. The pressure result indicated low head within the system which resulted to 100 percent (100%) of the nodes operating below the adopted system pressure of 10 meters. Also, 85 percent (85%) of the system velocity was within the range of 0.2 – 3 m/s adopted while 15% of the velocity exceeded the adopted velocity. The resultant effect of very high velocities in the system accounted for the pipe burst and leakages detected within the system. Hence, the system is inefficient and requires strengthen for optimum performance.

Keywords

• Water Distribution System,WaterCAD,WaterGEMS,Evaluation

References

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