Abstract:
This thesis focused on evaluating the hydraulic performance of the existing water
distribution system in Durbete town, located in the North Gojam zone of the Amhara
region in Ethiopia. The study utilized statistical analysis and the Water GEMS software.
The statistical analysis was applied to analyze the current water supply coverage, total
water loss of the entire town, and the Water GEMS model was used to model all the
distribution system networks and evaluate the overall hydraulic performance of the
system. The analysis revealed that the per capita water consumption in the town is 31.41
liters per person per day, indicating a gap between demand and supply. The average
level of household connection is 73%. The total water loss in the system is 33.7%
(178,590 m³/year) of the system input volume, with 10.89% being unavoidable real loss
and 22.76% being apparent loss plus avoidable real loss. Additionally, 35.13%
(186,168 m³/year) of the total water supplied is non-revenue water. The hydraulic
performance modeling was developed to examine the water distribution system's
performance. However, there were discrepancies between the simulated and measured
values that affected the system. In addition to pressure, the system was affected by low
velocities due to low demand and the use of high-diameter pipes. These low velocities
can potentially affect water quality due to water stagnation in the pipes. To address all
my study issues, I recommends involving infrastructure development, management
practices, technology adoption, and community engagement to improve the water
supply coverage of the system. Regular inspections, advanced leak detection
technology, and rapid response to leaks are needed to reduce the total water loss.
Additionally, rehabilitation and improvement of the water distribution system
capacities, establishing pressure zones, increasing pumping rates, and drilling
additional boreholes are recommended to enhance the overall performance of the water
distribution system.
Key Words: Hydraulic Performance modeling, Water Distribution System, Water
GEMS, Durbete Town