Optimal Drinking Water Distribution System Designing using Network Analysis and Geospatial Technology

Abstract

Water distribution systems are complex combination of the water pipes, mains, valves, hydrants, service lines, and storage facilities. This infrastructure is expensive but long-lived. Because it is largely out of sight, distribution infrastructure tends not to be a top priority in the management and financing of water systems. But as populations shift and pipes corrode, substantial ongoing investments are necessary. Water pipe line design of PMC area using geo-spatial technology has been done to provide the drinking water 24*7 at the consumer end. By incorporating the GPS location of the overhead tank in ARC GIS 9.3 and the details of the tank such as their pumping capacity, date of installation and their distribution pattern in the ward help to make an upgraded information about the existing water distribution. The pumps are not running to their full capacity after using new pipes 2 lpcd is achieved (increase of running hours of pumps). The shortest path analysis has been exercised to find the shortest path between the pump to the consumer tap as well as it will be proved conducive to reduce the cost of the piping.