Water Distribution System Modelling for Water Quality Management: A Case Study of Kumasi in Ghana

Abstract

To effectively manage water quality in distribution systems, a mathematical model that is capable of predicting water quality variation with time, and able to create zones of different water quality parameters is an important tool. Such a tool is necessary for monitoring and planning water quality in pressurised pipe networks. In this study, the EPANET software, which is capable of predicting time and spatial variation of water quality in pressurised pipe networks, is used for modelling the Kumasi water-distribution system. The model is capable of predicting residual chlorine levels and water age variations in the network, which is useful for managing water quality in the network. The model was used to identify a point for booster chlorination to improve the residual chlorine levels in the network.