Leakage analysis and management in the water distribution system of Kathmandu, Nepal | |
| Author | Pradhan, Muna |
| Call Number | AIT Thesis no.WM-03-02 |
| Subject(s) | Water--Nepal--Kathmandu--Distribution Water leakage--Nepal--Kathmandu |
| Note | A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Engineering |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Abstract | Leakage in water distribution system is a significant problem in many water supply companies necessitating the implementation of leakage management practices. Leakage quantification is a cornerstone of leakage management because measurement is the basis for the management. In this study, field measurements of leakage in Naya Baneswor, Bagh Bazaar and Narayanchaur areas of Kathmandu are carried out and a leakage model is developed for Kamaladi water distribution system in Kathmandu valley to analyze and develop leakage management tools for the study area. The actual measurement of leakage in the field are carried out using Tanker and Mobile Pump (TMP) method which is considered appropriate for the intermittent water supply system with low pressure prevailing in the study area. The results obtained are used to establish a relationship between the system pressure and the amount of leak flow. Leakage level in terms of percentage and L/connection /minute at Narayanchaur is observed as high as 93% and 9.86 L/connection/minute with test pressure 13.75 m. In case of Bagh Bazaar, where pressure is observed 3.14 m, Leakage is 2.87 L/connection/minute (58%). The results of TMP tests also provide data for calibration of the leakage model developed using computer software- MIKE NET. The calibrated and validated leakage model is used to analyze the leakage in the Kamaladi water distribution system. The developed model is also applied to evaluate the existing network on increased and decreased demand scenarios and reduced roughness coefficient condition. Negative pressure is observed in distribution system with an increment of 25% in consumption demand and pressure reduction by 15% is observed with Hazen-Williams roughness coefficient reduced by 10 which indicates that the water supply system may not reliable in supplying water to its consumers. The study also analyzes the apparent loss in Mahankalchaur, Katmandu. Almost half of the connections are found with either defective or without meters from the analysis of the past record of monthly consumption bills. The average apparent loss is found as 1195 m3/month for this study area. Based on the study results, suitable management tools for water loss management for study area which include pressure management, active leakage control and reform in the existing metering system are proposed. |
| Year | 2004 |
| Type | Thesis |
| School | School of Engineering and Technology (SET) |
| Department | Department of Civil and Infrastucture Engineering (DCIE) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Water Engineering and Management (WM) |
| Chairperson(s) | Babel, Mukand S. ;Gupta, Ashim Das |
| Examination Committee(s) | Sutat Weesakul ;Ingeduld, Petr |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | The Government of Denmark |
| Degree | Thesis (M.Eng.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2004 |