Hydraulic model for managing a water supply system with significant water losses

Abstract

The tendency of modern society is to ensure quality and comfortable living conditions. The need for the water appears as one of the crucial human needs, which increases exponentially through changing living habits over the time. While on the other hand, as an effect of climate changes, amount of the precipitation decreases e.g. the volume of surface water decreases as well as the capacity of underground water. According to that, drinking water abundance period is ending and changes in the management of water supply systems are necessary. This is particularly significant for a country like N. Macedonia, where the existing water supply systems are outdated and without modern management, resulting significant water losses throughout the water distribution network, especially during periods when drinking water is available in smaller quantities. According to all previous researches, it is clear that the magnitude of pressure is directly correlated with water losses in the network. One of the ways to influence on reduction of this negative phenomenon is proper pressure management in the distribution network of the water supply system. Additionally, reducing water losses is not the only benefit of pressure management. Another significant advantage is the decrease in the number of defects occurring in the distribution network, thus extending the lifespan of pipelines. In this study, by applying modern research and creating a hydraulic simulation model, the effects and benefits of managing pressures in the water supply network were examined. The focus was on the water supply system of the city of Resen, where current pressures are very high (5-7 bar), while total water losses amount is 55%. The significant losses are primarily attributed to poor system management. Specifically, during increased pressures in the network, they are reduced by opening relief valves, resulting in a substantial amount of water loss. With the implemented measures from the hydraulic model for system management, the pressure in the water supply network is within the range of 2.5-3.5 bar. Water losses have been reduced by 9%, and the overall water consumption decreases by 44%.