Abstract:
Intermittent water distribution is the problem of many water authorities in developing countries
including Ethiopia. The objective of this study is to see the hydraulic performance of the water
supply system in the case of Gerba Guracha town. Both primary and secondary data sources were
used for the study. Moreover, data for the distribution system was evaluated by using WaterGEMS
software. The model simulation run was performed for peak and low demand scenarios.
Simulation results for maximum and minimum pressure and velocity different scenarios were used
as a base tool to evaluate the hydraulic performance. The total annual water consumed within the
specified year (2020/21) was 633,416 m
3
and the total annual water loss accounts 31.82% of the
produced water, which shows, it needs a matter of concern. The commercial loss covers 11.14%
of the entire water production, while the physical loss is found to be 20.68% of the entire water
production. The per capita domestic water consumption of town was found to be 33.16 l/c/day and
the water supply coverage was only 73 %. The analysis also shows that, the present total average
daily water demand in town was 2,511.88 m
3
/day. Modeling results showed a violation of
maximum and minimum pressure and velocity criteria at different junctions and pipes. About
20.69% of junctions are under minimum pressure, 2.46% of junctions are exceeding maximum
pressure, 76.85% of junctions are with recommended limit and 1.48% of junctions are under
minimum pressure, 36.45% of junctions are exceeding maximum pressure and 62.07% of junctions
are in permissible pressure range during peak hour and minimum hour consumption respectively.
Also, 35.32% of pipes are under minimum velocity, 2.97% of pipes are exceeding maximum
velocity, 61.71% of pipes are with recommended limit and 71.75% of pipes are under minimum
velocity, there are no pipes exceeding maximum velocity and 28.25% of pipes are in permissible
velocity range during peak hour and minimum hour consumption respectively. Generally, the
results of the analysis show that the general hydraulic performance of water distribution of the
town was poor. Therefore, it's significant to rehabilitate and improve the water distribution system
capacities. Additionally, paying more attention to water losses reduction policies is vital. To realize
a 15m minimum and 70m maximum pressure, it's necessary to supply a pressure controlling valve
and establishing the boosting station. Finding an extra water source is additionally a fundamental
issue to satisfy the present and future water demand.
Keywords: Water demand, Hydraulic performance, Simulation, Water losses,Gerba Guracha