Using a Hydraulic Model for Conceptual Planning of Rural Water Supply Network Reconstruction—Case Study

This paper analyses the operation of a water supply system located in the Silesian Voivodeship, serving six small localities covering a rural area of about 50 km2 with a total population of 6130. The region’s varied elevation presents challenges to system performance. A hydraulic model was developed in EPANET, then validated and calibrated based on selected measurement points. Previous studies revealed that the network operates under unstable conditions. Although all users receive water under average demand, some areas experience excessive pressure. During peak demand, water shortages occur due to limited inflow to the main reservoir, which the existing pumping system cannot compensate for. In response, the validated model was used in this study to propose a reconstruction strategy to ensure a reliable water supply under all demand conditions. The analysis focused on the introduction of new water intakes, identifying their required capacity and optimal locations. It has been demonstrated that the inclusion of a new water intake positively impacts the stability of the water distribution network, and that a hydraulic model is a valuable tool for supporting the selection of its location. Hydraulic convergence of the model was necessary to optimize and evaluate the proposed solutions. As part of the selection criteria, two parameters were analysed: the percentage of nodes with pressure below 20 m H2O, and the percentage of nodes where the pressure exceeds 55 m H2O. Among the evaluated options, the most effective solution was intake no. 1, directly connected to a DN 160 transmission pipe supplying the area with the lowest recorded pressure. The upgraded system operates stably and meets the demands of all users. The obtained results provide valuable support for water utility management in making decisions on the development and operational optimization of water supply networks.