Sustainable management of Dhaka city water supply through district metering area approach: a case study

Abstract

One of the major issues affecting water utilities is the considerable difference between the amount of water put into the distribution system and the amount of water billed to consumers. Besides, water shortage and the future threat posed by changing climatic conditions has intensified the need for the development of appropriate water management approaches, which aim in keeping a balance between water supply and demand. District metering is a technique used to improve water distribution system. Dividing the open network into smaller, DMAs enables to manage the system more.

Data is collected from 10 DMAs situated in Banani, Gulshan, Mohakhali, Tejgaon, Tejkunipara, Kawranbazar, Shaheenbagh areas having 72 DTW, 41 DMC and 12500 service connections. The produced water volumes are determined through accurate measurement of monthly water production of DTW’s, accurate measurement of monthly in and outflow through DMC’s and main transmission Saidabad line. The consumed water volumes are measured from billing data using up-to-date service connection list. Using supplied volumes and consumed volumes, Non-revenue water (NRW) is calculated.

Operation and maintenance is a crucial element of sustainability of DMA system. Sustainability of DMA insists on mainly reduction of system losses in water distribution network. Besides, pressure management in distribution line, increase of surface water production, elimination of illegal connections and promoting legal connections in low income community areas help to keep resources in balance to sustain for next generation. DMA management helps to deliver quality water to customer with less system losses. The purpose is to describe the best means to smooth operation and maintenance, maximize DMA assets and equipment operational availability, while minimizing equipment downtime with optimum manpower. Prompt activities with continued focus on NRW are the basis for sustainable DMA management in the study area.