Evaluation the Operational Performance of Water Supply Network in a Selected Neighborhood in Karbala City, Iraq

Abstract The hydraulic analysis of potable water is essential for acquiring an accurate understanding of the network’s operation and its associated issues, as well as for employing a scientific approach to its potential expansion, given the continuous rise in population density and urban development. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the operational performance of the water distribution network in the Muhandisin Al-Nidal neighborhood in Karbala City. The study utilized CAD Earth, Google Earth Pro, and WaterGEMS CONNECT Edition version 2 to construct a hydraulic model for simulating the behavior of the pipe network. The measurements of water flow at the source nodes were conducted using a wall-mounted ultrasonic flow meter (Eurosonic 2000). The model was calibrated at 17 connection points, encompassing pressures and flow. Pressure readings were acquired at designated points utilizing Bourdon gauges. study was examined as a steady-state analysis and during the peak period of daily consumption to assess the outcomes. The results indicated a significant reduction in pressure within the network pipes with a correlation coefficient of 0.95 and pressures ranging from 1.63 psi (1.15 m H₂O) to 9.36 psi (6.58 m H₂O). The flow velocities in the internal distribution system and major pipes ranged from 0.0001 to 0.546 m/s, indicating suboptimal hydraulic performance of the network.