Design and Optimization of Water Distribution Network Using Watergems Software: A Case Study of Adhewada, Bhavnagar

Abstract

This research focuses on the analysis and optimization of the water distribution network in Zone 5 of the Adhewada area, Bhavnagar, where water is supplied through a zone-wise and time-based system. The increasing population, rising water demand, and the need for structured infrastructure development have made it necessary to redesign the existing system. Current sources are inadequate to meet the minimum requirement of 140 liters per capita per day (lpcd), highlighting the need for a reliable and sustainable water supply solution. Real-time data was collected from the Bhavnagar Municipal Corporation (BMC) and used to simulate the network using WaterGEMS software. The study aims to assess the current distribution pattern, identify pressure-related issues, and propose improvements to enhance efficiency and equity in supply. By integrating actual field data with hydraulic modeling, the research provides practical recommendations for strengthening the reliability and performance of the water distribution system in the selected zone.

Introduction

Overview
The study focuses on addressing the challenges of water supply in Adhewada Zone-5, Bhavnagar, Gujarat, amidst rapid urban development and increasing population. The existing zone-wise, time-based water distribution system in Bhavnagar faces problems like low pressure, irregular supply, and water loss. The research employs WaterGEMS, a hydraulic modeling software, to analyze the current system and design an optimized water distribution network that ensures equitable, efficient, and sustainable water delivery.

Key Objectives

1. Evaluate the current water distribution system in Zone-5.

2. Identify inefficiencies in pressure, flow, and supply timing.

3. Analyze pipe and junction reports using WaterGEMS.

4. Recommend practical design improvements for future planning.

5. Pinpoint critical issues such as pipe losses and low-pressure zones.

Research Approach

• Study Area: Adhewada village, a fast-developing locality in Bhavnagar city, was chosen due to increasing complaints about supply irregularities.

• Data Sources: Real-world data was gathered from Bhavnagar Municipal Corporation (BMC), including pipe layouts, population stats, demand levels, and infrastructure details.

• Software: WaterGEMS was used for simulation, analysis, and optimization of the water network.

• Methodology:

  • Create the network layout in WaterGEMS.

  • Enter data: pipe lengths, diameters, elevation, demand, and material properties.

  • Run the model to simulate flow, identify inefficiencies, and visualize system performance.

Literature Review Highlights

• WaterGEMS is widely used in urban water planning for its ability to simulate, optimize, and analyze large-scale networks.

• Case studies in Surat, Wukro (Ethiopia), and Ujjain showed how switching from intermittent to continuous water supply systems using WaterGEMS leads to better pressure management and efficiency.

• Key limitations in prior studies include the lack of real-time data integration and smart technologies like IoT and predictive analytics.

• This study addresses these gaps by incorporating real-time field data and focusing on zone-specific challenges.

Key Findings & Expected Outcomes

• Identification of low-pressure zones and uneven water distribution.

• Need for infrastructure upgrades, better pipe sizing, and pressure regulation.

• Importance of incorporating sustainable water sources to meet future demand.

• Emphasis on smart water planning for medium-sized cities like Bhavnagar.

Conclusion

The present study successfully demonstrates the design and analysis of a water distribution network using WaterGEMS software for the Adhewada region of Bhavnagar. Through the integration of field data—such as pipe lengths, diameters, elevations, and nodal demands—the model provided a detailed understanding of the hydraulic behavior of the existing and proposed systems. The simulation results highlighted areas with insufficient pressure head and excessive head loss gradients, guiding necessary design adjustments to meet CPHEEO standards. The findings underscore the effectiveness of WaterGEMS as a decision-support tool in optimizing urban water infrastructure. This research contributes valuable insights for municipal planners and engineers aiming to improve water supply efficiency. Future research could incorporate real-time monitoring data, demand forecasting, and energy efficiency analysis to further enhance the reliability and sustainability of water distribution systems.

References

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Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Sujan Sama, Pinak. S. Ramanuj, Mr. Vishva R. Patel. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.