Modelación hidráulica y de calidad del agua en las redes de distribución de agua potable de Palosolo, cantón Piñas, provincia de El Oro

Abstract

The study of drinking water distribution networks is crucial for ensuring an efficient and high-quality service, fostering community development, and adhering to regulatory frameworks and original project specifications. This research employs hydraulic modeling to analyze the current conditions of the water distribution network in the community of Palosolo of the canton Piñas, comparing them against the initial design parameters and assessing system performance. Identified irregularities are addressed through solutions, whose effects are simulated to evaluate their impact on network efficiency. To achieve this study’s purpose, field visits were carried out to collect detailed data on the current infrastructure. The data collection process included plan verification, flow rate, pressure measurements, and water quality assessments at several nodes of the network. Using these data, a high-fidelity hydraulic model was developed and subjected to an extended-period simulation in WaterCAD software. The Simulation results demonstrated excessive pressure at multiple points within the network, potentially compromising both efficiency and structural integrity. To mitigate this issue, the feasibility of implementing a pressure regulation tank was analyzed, demonstrating significant improvements in system performance. The proposed solution enhances network operation and ensures a more efficient and balanced distribution of drinking water.