Implementation of a convenient method in water network simulation to maximize the benefit of pressure management and reduce the leakage

Abstract

Reducing water leakage in water supply networks has become the primary concern of water distribution companies. Challenges faced by developing countries suffering from increased water losses are mostly due to aging infrastructure. Pipes represent a large percentage of network assets; replacement with new good quality pipes reduces leakage, but represents major economic and implementation obstacles. Reducing leakage by reducing pressure in the network increased the challenge of supplying water adequately to consumers. We aimed to reduce leakage throughout the water distribution network using software to maximize benefits of pressure management in the water distribution network. The water distribution network of West Esna, Luxor, Egypt was simulated using WaterGEMS software and its Darwin Calibrator tools used to calibrate the network and estimate water leakage, depending on field pressure and flow measurements at selected points in the network. District metered areas were used as a tool to identify feeding flows in pipes to install pressure reducing valves. This study proves that pressure management significantly reduces water network leakage; simulated results show that leakage percent reduced from 33 to 23% with controlling pumping station pressure. Adding pressure reducing valves at boundary pipes contributed to leakage reduction in the entire network to 17%.