Assessing the Performance of the 3-Districts Water Supply System Using Gis and Hydraulic Models
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47941/ijce.3353Keywords:
GIS Integration, Hydraulic Modeling, Water Supply Optimization, Infrastructure PerformanceAbstract
Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the performance challenges of the 3-Districts Water Supply System (3-DWSS), a major rural–urban water scheme in Ghana, focusing on identifying hydraulic inefficiencies and structural limitations driven by population growth, elevation disparities, and aging infrastructure.
Methodology: An integrated Geographic Information System (GIS) and hydraulic modelling approach was employed. Spatial data, including pipeline alignments, elevation, community expansion, and nodal distributions, were processed in a GIS environment. EPANET 2.2 was used to simulate hydraulic performance under current and projected demand scenarios, assessing parameters such as pressure, velocity, flow, and head loss.
Findings: The analysis revealed that over 60% of system nodes operate below acceptable pressure thresholds, with some experiencing negative pressures, particularly in high-elevation and peripheral areas. Pipe diameters averaged 84 mm, contributing to excessive frictional losses and poor pressure delivery. Flow velocity analysis indicated both overburdened and stagnant sections, confirming imbalance in system design. Scenario modelling showed that upgrading pipelines to 160mm–220.6mm, expanding network coverage, and reconfiguring pump stations substantially improved hydraulic performance and service reliability.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study demonstrates the effectiveness of combining GIS with hydraulic modelling for diagnosing and improving water supply systems in rapidly urbanizing rural contexts. It provides actionable recommendations, including targeted pipeline resizing, network expansion, operational optimization, and routine spatial-hydraulic assessments. These interventions offer scalable, evidence-based strategies to inform water infrastructure policy and planning in Ghana and similar settings.
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