Pressure Management Approach in Water Distribution Network Based on a Hydraulic Simulation Model: A Case Study of Casablanca in Morocco

Abstract

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and hydraulic models are innovative support tools contributing in the optimization and efficient management of Water Distribution Networks (WDNs). Indeed, pressure management has become a strategy for managing water losses in WDNs with the use of Pressure Reducing Valves (PRVs). In this study, ArcGIS and EPANET software are used to study, analyze and model the hydraulic behavior of a real multi-stage WDNs composed of 1,308 km with a distribution volume of 170,000 m3/day. The preliminary investigations of the pressure in the nodes, the velocity in the pipes, revealed the strong need to optimize the pressure and to improve the WDNs operation, nodes with excessive pressure were identified in the Lower Service Areas (LSAs). The FAVAD concept and EPANET software were used to evaluate different gains of leakage rate for each zone in LSAs and identify the location of six PRVs. Simulation with the installation of six PRVs determined that the pressure in LSAs would decrease by 8.5 m at night and 4 m in off-peak hours. The results showed that a pressure reduction of 25% at night and 10% in off-peak hours resulted in a gain in leakage rate of 41.63 l/s at night and 51 l/s in off-peak hours, giving a total gain of 92.63 l/s in LSAs. The outcomes of this research are suggested to utilities managing WDNs as a support tool to improve network operation and reduce burst rate.