PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS OF RURAL WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM: CASE STUDY OF GORDAMA AREA, ALETA WONDO WOREDA

Abstract

Unplanned water distribution is the key problems of many water authorities in developing countries including Ethiopia. This research was conducted to carry out the assessment of the water distribution network of Gordama area existing water supply system which is located in Aleta Wondo Woreda of Sidama Region of Ethiopia. To examine the hydraulic performance of the water distribution network, water GEMs modeling was adopted. Accordingly, different reviewed reports, percentage of Non-Revenue for water, and discussions with water service personnel were conducted to collect and analyze water losses. The result showed that the current maximum water demand in Gordama is estimated at 5`11.06 m3/day, while small reservoirs capacity and low pump efficiency were observed in the area water distribution networks. According to simulated results; maximum pressure heads were examined 329.39m and 112.78m on conveyance and main distributions lines respectively. But minimum pressure heads were computed 2.30m and 0 m on the two types of lines. Further, the analyzed water losses result in Gordama area indicates that about 19.5% was Non-Revenue Water. However physical and apparent losses contributed small amount as compared with non-revenue loss. Apparent losses cover 8.84% of total loss and 10.66 % was physical losses. Accordingly, for the case of Gordama community non-revenue losses are more significant; Most of residences were not satisfied on the Gordama area. In general, rising in water demand, small capacities of existing infrastructures and large volume of water loss leads to intermittent water distribution in Gordama area water service. Therefore, it is significant to rehabilitate and improve the water distribution system capacities and provide more attention to water losses reduction policies and strategies as appropriate intervention measures.