FA18-CVE-070: Water Supply Network Simulation using EPANET Software

This presentation, created by Haseeb Ullah Khan (FA18-CVE-070), provides a comprehensive overview of water supply network simulation and distribution using EPANET software. It begins by explaining the necessity of water supply simulations and the factors to consider before, during, and after simulation. The presentation then introduces EPANET, its capabilities in modeling hydraulic and water quality behavior within pressurized pipe networks, and its limitations. It details essential parameters such as elevation, pressure, velocity, and water demand, along with key principles like the equation of continuity and friction loss formulas (Darcy-Weisbach and Hazen-Williams). The presentation also covers the components of a water network including junctions, reservoirs, tanks, pipes, pumps, and valves. Design considerations for branched and looped networks are also discussed. The presentation concludes with a practical example, demonstrating how to develop a simple water supply network in EPANET, including the input of necessary data like borehole yield, pump performance, and demand information. It guides users through the process of drawing the network, setting parameters, and running analyses, providing insights into the design of a water distribution system.

Haseeb Ullah khan {FA18-CVE-070}
Water supply network
and distribution using
Epnet software.

Objective of this presentation.
- Understand why it is necessary to make a
water supply simulation
- What to consider before, while and during the
simulation
- How the software works, without becoming an
expert

What is Epanet
• EPANET is a computer program that performs extended
period simulation of hydraulic and water quality behavior
within pressurized pipe networks.
• It reproduces the behavior of a network in order to carry
out tests and find solutions.
• It makes a mathematical representation of the
relationships among its components. It runs trials on “wh
would happen if…”
Introduction to Epanet

Before starting with Epanet
When shall we build a network?
• Concentrated population
• Population has social cohesion
• The water source can be exploited in a
sustainable way

Before starting with Epanet
When shall we build a network?
• It should not create
environmental problems
(stagnant water, drainage
• Topography should allow the
project (cost, pumping, flat
area)
• Consider the context Urban
developed countries vs rural
developing country

Before starting with Epanet
Why should we calculate network?
• Networks that aren’t designed properly
devalue the work and effort of communities
(and donors/Authorities) that are asked to
collaborated
• They are dangerous. The emptying and filling of
pipes due to lack of pressure sucks pathogens
into the interiors of the pipes, facilitating
contamination of the pipes, therefore disease
proliferation.
• They are fragile. Depressurized networks get full
of air. When they are filled with water, the air
needs to be evacuated => Risk of water
hammer (destroy pipes, creates cracks and
leaks)
• The network might not be extendable
• The selected material / size might not be the
economical solution

Before starting with Epanet
What Epanet can do
• Determining what pipes with which diameters should be used
• Determine what improvements and /or extensions the network needs
• Determine where to install the tanks, valves and pumps
• Dimensioning of tanks
• Pumps selection
• Studying chlorine’s behaviour and the necessity to establish secondary
chlorination points.
• Estimation of energy consumption for pumps
• Simulation of the behaviour of different element, such as pressure reducing
valves, pressure sustaining valves

Before starting with Epanet
What Epanet can NOT do
• Epanet assumes the quasi-equilibrium condition. It can no
simulate abrupt changes in the network (i.e. energy failure
at pumping station, water hammer, sudden shutting of a
non return valve, pipe bursting, etc.
• Evaluate the consequences for the presence of air inside
the network
• With Epanet is not possible to simulate open channels
(river, sewer)
(SWMM :Storm Water Management Model)

Essential parameters of a network
Pressure
• Beneficiaries receive water at every water
point
Program Epanet
Velocity (of water in the pipe)
• Big vs small pipe (expensive vs high
operational cost)
Elevation
• The elevation of the single elements of a
network are essential parameters
Water demand
• How much water is requested at the water
points?
Water availability
• How much water is available at the source ?
Component of the network
• Type of pipes, pumps, reservoirs, valves,
tanks

Essential principles for a water network
Program Epanet
1. Equation of continuity
Q = v / A = const
● v = velocity m / s
● Q = flow m³ / s
● A = Pipe section transversal m²
Small diameter, high velocityBig diameter, low velocity

Program Epanet
2. Friction loss along pipes
Energy is dissipated due to friction of water (particle)
Essential principles for a water network
The Darcy-Weisbach formula is the
most theoretically correct. It applies
over all flow regimes and to all liquids.
The Hazen-Williams formula is the most
commonly used headloss formula in
the US.
It cannot be used for liquids other than
water and was originally developed for
turbulent flow only.
The Chezy-Manning formula is more
commonly used for open channel flow.
Chezy-Manning
Darcy-Weisbach
Hazen-Williams
= v*

Program Epanet
2. Friction loss along pipes
0.25908
0.3048 – 3.048
0.01524
0.001524
0.04572
0
Essential principles for a water network
Darcy-Weisbach
(mm)

Program Epanet
3. Bernoulli’s equation
Essential principles for a water network
Speed Elevation Pressure

Design of a network
Branched network
• Less reliable
• Quality problem (stagnation of water)
• Cheaper
Program Epanet
Looped network (grid)
• more reliable, robust, adaptability (especially when data
is uncertain)
• More expensive

Epanet 6 main objects
Junctions
Program Epanet
Reservoir
Tanks
Pipes
Pumps
Valves

Junction
Program Epanet
A junction is a point at a certain height, where water
can leave the network. This outlet is created by
assigning it a demand. When a negative demand is
assigned , it is automatically turned into an inlet. A
borehole can also be shown as a junction where the
height represents the water level inside. In junctions,
demand is known and pressure is unknown.

Reservoir
Program Epanet
• The reservoir works as a drain or as a water sourc
The volume remains constant regardless of water
input or output because of its huge size in
comparison to the system. In order to picture wha
they could be like, think of a river, lakes, aquifer…
• The main parameter of the source is the head
(elevation)

Tank
Program Epanet
• Tanks have a limited capacity to store water
and the water level increases or decreases as
they fill of empty.
• Tanks are considered round (in Epanet)
• Main parameter are: radius, elevation, initial
level, max level, min level

Pipe
Program Epanet
Pipes convey the water from one part to the
system to another. Epanet assumes that pipes
are always full. Furthermore, it assumes that by
using their properties they are capable of being
opened or closed, and limiting the flow to one
direction therefore it is not necessary to add
check valves to the model. As water travels
through pipes, part of its energy is dissipated b

Pipe
Program Epanet
Main parameter of the pipes are:
• End node
• Start node
• Length
• Diameter
• Roughness (depends on material)

Pump
Program Epanet
• Pumps pump water from a lower part of the
network to an higher part.
• It is wise to avoid them as much as possible
and try to create gravity flow system.
• Main parameter: Start node, end node,
pump curve

Valve
Program Epanet
• Pressure reducing valve (PRV)
• Pressure sustaining valve (PSV)
• Pressure breaker valve (PBV)
• Flow control valve (FCVO
• Throttle control valve (TCV)
• General purpose valve (GPV)
Try to avoid in
developing contexts
due to their high cost
and difficulty in
obtaining spares.

Drawing the network
Program Epanet
• No need to draw precisely if automatic
length option is switched off
• Keep automatic labelling of the objects.
Updating label would be very time
consuming
• Keep in mind that Epanet doesn’t have the
undo option, therefore save the different trial

Basic main configuration of Epanet
Defaults / ID labels
1.Open Epanet
2.Select Project| Default
3.ID labels
Set the parameters accordantly
Drawing the
network

25
Program configuration
Defaults / Properties
4. Select the default parameter as per
convenience
Drawing the
network

Program configuration
Defaults / Hydraulics
5. In the windows “Hydraulics” select “Flow Units”
with the unity you prefer i.e LPS (liter per second)
Drawing the
network

Develop a simple network with Epanet and run the a
Objectives:
We develop a very simple water supply composed by:
1. Source (borehole)
2. Pump from borehole to “elevated” tank (25m3)
3. Gravity distribution to the village (or refugees camp) from tank
4. Distribution points in the village with a given demand
Existing data
1. Borehole yield and dynamic water level (elevation)
2. Pump performance data
3. Nodes location and elevation
4. Type and length of pipe
5. Elevation, type and size of reservoir
6. Average water demand at water distribution points over 24 hr
(daily water consumption)

Develop a simple network with Epanet and run the a
Necessary data related to the Epanet network
Junction Elevation (m) Information
J1 913 Settlement 2; 20 families; 4’000 l/d; 0.0463 l/s
J2 912 Settlement 3; 40 families; 8’000 l/d; 0.0926 l/s
J3 915 Settlement 4; 60 families; 12’000 l/d; 0.139 l/s
J4 910 No demand; joint control valve
J5 916 Settlement 1; 50 families; 10’000 l/d; 0.115 l/s
TOTAL 170 families, 850 individuals, 34’000 l/d, 0.395 l/s
Tank 930
Round reservoir, 25.1 m3, 4m diameter, 2.5m wall height, ground elevation 930m (inlet),
Elevation overflow 932m.
Borehole
(R1) 890 Good water quality, seasonal variation on yield, max 15m3/h min 11m3/h
Pump
(Pu1) 890
NB 32-200.1/207 A-F-A-BAQE
located few meter from spring (see Grundfos webcaps for selection, www.grundfos.com)
Pipes uPVC
Pi1 140.1 m (from pump)
Pi2 340.0m
Pi3 185.4m
Pi4 198.2m
Pi5 62.5m
Pi6 124.3m

Develop a simple network with Epanet and run the a
1. Develop a map and save it on *.emf
2. Select View / backdrop
3. Load the map
NOTE:
•The map is not geo-reference yet.
• Auto-length is off.
• Best extension for backdrop map is *.emf
(best resolution)
Insert the backdrop map

CAS WASH Module Epanet
Develop a simple network with Epanet and run the a
Drawing the network
1. Add “reservoir at the spring.
(if the toolbar is not visible View -> Toolbars
->Map).

Develop a simple network with Epanet and run the a
Drawing the network
Eventually zoom in

Develop a simple network with Epanet and run the a
Drawing the network
1.Click twice on the R1 and the parameters setup of the borehole (reservoir) appears
Coordinates do not play
a role yet
Important you put the
elevation (*Total Head)
(in meter) of the
dynamic water level.
(dropdown considered)

Develop a simple network with Epanet and run the a
Drawing the network
1. Add “Junctions”
2. Set parameters

Develop a simple network with Epanet and run the a

Develop a simple network with Epanet and run the a
Elevation of junctions:
• Consider the real high of the outlet of the pipe
not just the ground elevation.
• Consider putting a junction at each high and low spot (air relief valve, drain valve
Necessary for maintenance of pipe)
• Draw the section of the pipe
Demand
• Demand can vary during the day, week, season, culture
• Demand is different depending of the type of settlement
Camp, rural, semirural, urban, industry, agriculture
• Consider water demand for cattle
• Demand need to consider the growth rate (normally over 30 years)
• Consider extension of the network, design easily enlargeable network
• Ev. plan the construction in several phases
• Model is designed for the peak consumption point (Fire extinguisher)

Develop a simple network with Epanet and run the a
Drawing the network
1. Add “Tank”
2. Set parameters

Develop a simple network with Epanet and run the a
Drawing the network
Set parameters for the reservoir
Initial water level in the reservoir 1m
Volume of round tank:
2m X 2m X 3.14 X 2m (height) =25.13m3
Ev. fire reserve!
Add “Tank”
Set parameters

Develop a simple network with Epanet and run the a
Drawing the network
Adding the pump
In Epanet pumps are delimitated by
two (points) Junctions
(zoom in)
Add a new junction (J6) and
between spring (R1) and J6 insert
the pump
(Pu1)

Develop a simple network with Epanet and run the a
Adding the Pump
Insert parameter for the Junction (J6) and Pump
• Online catalogues for pump
• Check the local marked
• Consider solar pump (Lorentz)

Develop a simple network with Epanet and run the a
Create the Pump curve 1
Pump curve taken from the graphic
Curve can be saved for future use

Develop a simple network with Epanet and run the a
Drawing the network
Adding the Pump
Insert the parameters for pump (Pu1)
This number must correspond
to the pump curve number (Curve ID)
If you plan to calculate the power
consumption and power cost fill the
parameters

Develop a simple network with Epanet and run the a
Drawing the network
Adding the pipes
Draw pipe from J6 to J4 (

Develop a simple network with Epanet and run the a
Drawing the network
Adding the pipes
Insert parameters for pipe (Pi1)
Estimate the diameter with
Q=vA v=Q/A, A=Q/v (v ~ 1-2 m/s)
Roughness depends on type/age of pipe
and used formula
Length given
check valve restricting flow to one
direction
Note: Swiss Firefighters’ regulation:
minimal diameter 125 mm

Develop a simple network with Epanet and run the a
Drawing the network
Adding the rest of the links
(pipes)

Develop a simple network with Epanet and run the a
Drawing the network Insert parameters for pipes

Develop a simple network with Epanet and run the a
Drawing the network uPVC pipes
Code ND Pressure IntD C Pressure Thickness
(mm) Bar (mm) m H2O mm (max)
P20-16 20 16 17.0 140 162.56 1.5
P25-12 25 12.5 22.0 140 127 1.5
P25-16 25 16 21.2 140 162.56 1.9
P32-10 32 10 28.8 140 101.6 1.6
P32-12 32 12.5 28.2 140 127 1.9
P32-16 32 16 27.2 140 162.56 2.4
P40-6 40 6.3 37.0 140 64.01 1.5
P40-10 40 10 36.2 140 101.6 1.9
P40-12 40 12.5 35.2 140 127 2.4
P40-16 40 16 34.0 140 162.56 3
P50-6 50 6.3 46.8 140 64.01 1.6
P50-10 50 10 45.2 140 101.6 2.4
P50-12 50 12.5 44.0 140 127 3
P50-16 50 16 42.6 140 162.56 3.7
P63-5 63 6 59.2 140 60.96 1.9
P63-6 63 6.3 59.0 140 64.01 2
P63-10 63 10 57.0 140 101.6 3
P63-12 63 12.5 55.4 140 127 3.8
P63-16 63 16 53.6 140 162.56 4.7
P75-5 75 6 70.6 140 60.96 2.2
P75-6 75 6.3 70.4 140 64.01 2.3
P75-10 75 10 67.8 140 101.6 3.6
P75-12 75 12.5 66.0 140 127 4.5
P75-16 75 16 63.8 140 162.56 5.6
P90-5 90 6 84.6 140 60.96 2.7
P90-6 90 6.3 84.4 140 64.01 2.8
P90-10 90 10 81.4 140 101.6 4.3
P90-12 90 12.5 79.2 140 127 5.4
P90-16 90 16 76.6 140 162.56 6.7
P110-6 110 6.3 104.6 140 64.01 2.7
P110-10 110 10 101.6 140 101.60 4.2
P110-12 110 12.5 99.4 140 127 5.3
P110-16 110 16 96.8 140 162.56 6.6
P125-6 125 6.3 118.8 140 64.01 3.1
P125-10 125 10 115.4 140 101.60 4.8
P125-12 125 12.5 113.0 140 127 6
It is important to know the
type/brand and their
properties
of the pipes you are using.
Providers usually have that
information.

Develop a simple network with Epanet and run the a
CAS WASH Module Epanet
Running the system (single analysis)
If system doesn't work,
error message will be
displayed and source of
error explained

Develop a simple network with Epanet and run the a
Running the system (single analysis)

Develop a simple network with Epanet and run the a
Running the system (single analysis)
The single analysis helps you to identify the main characteristics
and mistakes on the system, but doesn't give you a realistic
overview of the behaviour of your system over time.
An analysis over time (i.e. 3 days; 72 hs) helps you to understand
better the system.
For such analysis, we need to develop patterns (behaviour
changes over time)

Thank you
If any
question,
please ask