MODELING OPTIMAL DISTRIBUTION OF URBAN WATER SUPPLY IN DEVELOPING URBAN CITIES - A CASE STUDY OF AKURE IN SOUTHWEST, NIGERIA

Abstract

Water, present in all living organisms, a major factor in the formulation of rocks and soil, with its primordial influence on public health and, indeed, all human activities, must be considered the most important of the raw materials upon which we depend. With forecasted overall per capital water consumption reaching 100 l/day in the Akure metropolis, less than one quarter of the population are adequately served with water supply, hence the public water supply system has not been able to meet the domestic and industrial requirements of the area. Increased industrialization, urbanization, population growth and demand for improved hygiene now force us to manage our resources as never before.

In this work a mathematical model for optimal allocation of available water to different zones within the metropolis was developed. The model is based on hydraulic and economic principles. The model was applied to the water distribution network of Akure urban. Results obtained from this specific applications will be useful to designers, researchers and policy makers in the public and non-governmental organizations.