Modeling and simulations of Water Network Distribution to Assess Water Quality: Kuwait as a case study

Abstract

Being one of the highest water-risk ranked countries in the world, Kuwait is in an urgent need of new advanced techniques and methodologies to conserve and optimize its water infrastructure. Water consumption, water quality, and network design optimization are among the challenges that face Kuwait water distribution system. This study is a step forward towards the development of an EPANET-based model, which is widely used in various water systems applications worldwide, for different parts of Kuwait water networks. An EPANET model was developed and analyzed for a selected area in Kuwait. The study evaluated the water quality in the chosen area, in particular, the water age. Several realistic scenarios based on different population occupations were considered. The dependence of the water age and the water quality in water distribution networks on the occupation stages for the given area was highlighted. The analysis of the water network showed that partial occupation can hinder the water quality, hence different scenarios shall be included in the design phase of water networks.