Stochastic water demand modelling for a better understanding of hydraulics in water distribution networks

Abstract

In the water distribution network water quality process take place influenced by de flow velocity and residence time of the water in the network. In order to understand how the water quality changes in the water distribution network, a good understanding of hydraulics is required. Specifically in the periphery of the network, where customers are connected, the hydraulics can change rapidly. During the night time the water is almost stagnant and the residence time increases. In the morning, when everybody gets up and flushes the toilet and takes a shower, high flow velocities can occur. During the remainder of the day flow velocities are low. The stochastic model SIMDEUM was developed to simulate water use in small time scales (1 s) and small spatial scales (per fixture). The model SIMDEUM and its applications in several hydraulic and water quality models in water distribution networks were tested against measurements within these networks. SIMDEUM enables a good model of flow velocities, residence times and the connected water quality processes in the water distribution network.