In the heart of Ethiopia, a small town named Halaba Kulito is becoming a beacon of innovation in water management. Semaria Moga Lencha, a researcher from the Faculty of Biosystems and Water Resource Engineering at Hawassa University, has recently published groundbreaking work in the journal ‘Discover Sustainability’ (formerly known as ‘Sustainability’) that could revolutionize how water utilities approach distribution and loss management. The study, which focuses on Halaba Kulito, offers a blueprint for urban water systems worldwide grappling with aging infrastructure and increasing demand.
Lencha’s research employs a sophisticated approach, combining hydraulic simulation and data analytics to assess water supply and demand. The Water Geospatial Engineering Modeling System (WaterGEMS v8i) was used to analyze the town’s distribution network, revealing stark insights into its performance. “The current maximum daily demand of the town is 5,030 m3/day, but the water supply coverage is only 52%,” Lencha explains. This disparity highlights a significant gap in meeting the town’s water needs, a challenge exacerbated by high non-revenue water (NRW) losses, which account for 27% of total water production.
The study’s findings paint a picture of a system under strain. Hydraulic simulations showed that 70% of the pipes were either in sedimentation or stagnation, leading to peak and off-peak velocities that compromise water quality and pressure. “25% of the nodes also had pressures below recommended standards at peak hours,” Lencha notes, underscoring the urgent need for intervention. The physicochemical analysis of the water further revealed that while 16 out of 19 parameters met WHO standards, the remaining three did not, posing potential health risks.
The commercial implications of this research are profound. For the energy sector, which often relies on water for cooling and other processes, ensuring a reliable and efficient water supply is crucial. High NRW and poor hydraulic performance can lead to increased operational costs and reduced efficiency. By identifying and addressing these issues, utilities can optimize their water distribution systems, leading to significant cost savings and improved service reliability.
Lencha’s work also underscores the importance of proactive maintenance and monitoring. “To ensure safe drinking water supplies, proper maintenance, monitoring, and management are essential,” she emphasizes. This proactive approach can prevent costly repairs and ensure that water systems remain efficient and reliable over the long term.
The study’s innovative use of data analytics and hydraulic simulation sets a new standard for water management. As urbanization continues to strain water resources, the methods developed in Halaba Kulito could serve as a model for cities worldwide. By leveraging advanced technologies and data-driven insights, water utilities can better meet the growing demand for water, reduce losses, and ensure the sustainability of their systems.
The research published in ‘Discover Sustainability’ not only sheds light on the challenges facing Halaba Kulito but also offers a roadmap for future developments in the field. As cities continue to grow and water resources become increasingly scarce, the need for innovative and efficient water management solutions will only increase. Lencha’s work provides a compelling case for embracing new technologies and approaches, paving the way for a more sustainable and resilient future.
