Author(s): Darshan J. Mehta, Vipin Yadav, Sahita I. Waikhom, Keyur J. Prajapati
Linked Author(s): Darshan J. Mehta
Keywords: Hydraulic simulation, pipe network, water demand, WATERGEMS
Abstract: Since ancient times, man has tried to reside beside source of water for its easy availability. But with the increase in population, the residence of the population near the water source becomes difficult day by day and thus man has started residing at a location away from water source. Water distribution systems are designed with an objective of minimizing the overall cost while meeting the water demand requirements at adequate pressures. However, during operations of water supply systems, cases of pressure drops, leakages and contamination occur and the main challenge is the lack of a simple tool to accurately predict zones of low pressures and areas where quality is compromised. This study will investigate the operations of Punagam area Water Distribution system in Surat city in terms of pressure variations from the Treatment Works to the consumer points using WATERGEMS V8i software. The WATERGEMS V8i programme analyses the pressure at each node, track the flow of water in each pipe and height of the water in each tank during simulation. After simulation of existing water distribution network, results are presented in various forms and compared with the field actual data. This paper covers the water scarcity problems to consumer and the problem of leakage in the distribution system in particular with an explanation of its causes and its impact on various aspects of life and a clarification of the possibility of effectively using of geographic information systems to contribute in the management of this problem. The results obtained verified that the pressures at all junctions at all pipes are feasible enough to provide adequate water to the network of the study area. Simulated water pressure did not vary significantly with the actual values indicating that the pipes still had their hydraulic capacities even though some sections of the network need augmentation
Year: 2017