Umudike Journal of Engineering and Technology

This report presents the use of Arc-GIS and EPANET to analyze simulate and design water distribution pipe network. The field work involved the use of structured questionnaire to obtain information on household demography and obtain water use. The corresponding data obtained was statistically analyzed with use of Stata 12.0 and Microsoft Excel software to establish a model for water use and to evaluate the variables that affect household water use. Google Earth and Arc-GIS software were employed to digitize the map of the study area in order to obtain the spatial information needed for analysis and design. The Water demand at individual node on the pipe network was estimated and used for simulation of the pipe network system. Allocation of buildings to the particular nodes that supplies water to them was carried out with the aid of Arc-GIS software with Voronoi diagram approach. Analysis and simulation was carried out with the aid of EPANET 2.0 software in order to obtain the minimum and maximum pressure, velocity and the flow in various pipes of the water distribution system. It was revealed that the estimated average volume of water used by individuals in the estate based on statistical analysis and questionnaire was estimated to be 90.7l/c/d which is below the WHO standard of 120l/c/d for an individual, the simulated minimum and maximum pressure for the study area were 6.67m and 20.19m respectively which was found to be adequate to cater for the water supply to the household in the study area. The pipe diameter required for water distribution in the study area ranged between 75mm and 100mm for adequate water supply. The model developed in this research work is very useful for household water use prediction in the study area.