International Journal of Technical Research and Applications e-ISSN: 2320-8163,

www.ijtra.com Volume 3, Issue-5 (September-October 2015), PP. 174-178

A REVIEW OF MODELING AND APPLICATION

OF WATER DISTRIBUTION NETWORKS (WDN)
SOFTWARES
Nitin P. Sonaje1
Deputy Registrar, Shivaji University, Kolhapur.

[email protected]
Mandar G. Joshi2
PG Scholar, Department of Technology, Shivaji University, Kolhapur
[email protected]
Abstract- Water is an essential element required for the
sustenance of life. Demand for drinking water is increasing
on continual basis with corresponding increase in
population. This ever increasing demand can be fulfilled
by designing efficient water distribution networks based
on advance computing systems include modern hydraulic
modeling and designing softwares. Extensive review has
been carried out for softwares used in designing water
distribution networks and data management of hydraulic
properties of networks. Softwares for water distribution
include public domain softwares like EPANET, Branch
and Loop as well as commercial softwares like Aquis,
WaterGEMS, WaterCAD, etc. Water distribution system
designing softwares differ from each another in various
aspects include their functionality, compatibility to
different computational systems; graphical user interfaces
(GUIs), searching and optimizing algorithms, languages
and programs used in their developments. The choice of
water distribution network software is based on the
availability of the data, time, financial implications,
resources, applicability and overall purview of the project.
Keywords- Water Distribution Networks (WDN), Graphical
User Interface (GUI), Modeling, Optimization, Software.
I. INTRODUCTION
Drinking water is one of the fundamental elements required for
almost all biotic components to carry out their different
fundamental activities of life. Water required for drinking
purpose is further stressed by continuously increasing
population and in order to fulfill this ever increasing demand
at urban as well as rural level, there is a need to replace the
traditional and obsolete methods of designing water
distribution networks with accurate, speedy and computer
based softwares and methods. Designing of water distribution
networks is a critical part of the water supply system which
contributes for the major share of overall expenditures incurred
in it so as to systematic and proper design as well as modeling
becomes the crucial one. Advancements in the field of water
supply and the usage of computers in it has urged field experts,
scientists, research scholars, developers and programmers to

develop number of softwares for the design and modeling of

water distribution networks including public domain softwares
like EPANET, Branch, and LOOP as well as commercial
softwares like Aquis, H2O map, KYPipe, WaterCAD,
WaterGEMS, etc. The present paper undertakes the review of
various softwares available for designing and modeling of the
water distribution networks (WDN) developed over the period
of time and advancements in them with respect to design
algorithms, modeling efficiencies, compatibility to different
computing systems, flexible inputoutput systems, etc.
To review the various softwares and its applications, the paper is
divided into two groupd viz., modeling softwares and its
applications.
II. REVIEW OF MODELLING SOFTWARES
The various modeling softwares are available in market are of
freewares as well as commercial. It can be used for designing of
water distribution network with an appropriate ways. These
are classified as below,
WaterCAD V8i (2014) is a hydraulic modeling software
package comprised of wide range of functionality includes
graphical and profiling advancements, flexibility in data
archiving and representations, advancements in GUI and its
customization, etc. Many features like hydraulic and water
quality analysis, steady state and extended period simulations are
also made to function with enhanced capabilities, strong data
management along with AutoCAD and GIS integrations. The
advantages of WaterCAD V8i over other softwares include
simplified model building with geospatial modules and tools like
LoadBuilder and TRex, water quality modeling, fire flow
analysis, optimization and scenario management, etc.
WaterCAD V8i is thus easy to use and versatile water
distribution as well as quality modeling software packages
accepted for variety of applications [17].
WaterGEMS V8i (2014) is a versatile hydraulic modeling
software package with the advancements in the interoperability,
optimization of networks; model building supported with
geospatial tools and asset management tools. WaterGEMS V8i

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International Journal of Technical Research and Applications e-ISSN: 2320-8163, www.ijtra.com

Volume 3, Issue-5 (September-October 2015), PP. 174-178
is highly efficient and dynamic modeling software which
provides the wide regime of analysis and solutions for fire-flow
analysis, water quality modeling, energy and capital cost
management, etc. Many of the features and functions are
common in WaterCAD V8i and WaterGEMS V8i which are
streamlined model building, integration with the GIS and
AutoCAD functionalities, optimized model calibration, design
and its operations. The best part in the WaterGEMS V8i is the
presentation of obtained results which is very attractive and
appealing and can be presented with variety of graphical tools
include ArcMap visualization, thematic mapping, contouring,
profiling with color coding and symbology. With the ever
increasing number of users WaterGEMS V8i has proved that
WaterGEMS V8i is one of the most popular and user friendly
hydraulic modeling and optimization software package.
WaterGEMS V8i has strong design algorithm to meet the criteria
of accuracy in design of water distribution networks, control of
distribution network variables like flow, pressure, and velocity
along with their optimization [18].
Branch (2014) is public domain optimization software in
which program is developed to design the branched water
distribution networks. Branch software takes certain
parameters like elevation data, pipe lengths, coefficient of
friction and demand of nodes as inputs over the cost as
function. The output is optimized length and diameters of pipes
so that overall cost of network is the least one [16].
DisNet (2014) is powerful and efficient water distribution
software and offers great simplicity in building water
distribution networks. Key strengths of DisNet include its
simplicity and appealing user interface with maximum
accuracy in output with optimum input details. Along with
design of water distribution, DisNet is used in the modeling of
stream hydrology, generation of unit hydrographs and
establishing interrelationships between them. DisNet is
integrated with CAD as its inbuilt management tool and used
in modeling different types of water distributions networks for
different topographical conditions [12].
EPANET (2014) is public domain software which can be
efficiently used to design any sort of network. It provides
variety of advantages like water quality analysis, extended
period simulation, residual chlorine calculations for
disinfection, etc. It can also be used to renovate or restore the
existing water supply systems. It is available as public domain
softwares with the relative nomenclature as EPANET 2.0,
EPANET 2d-2w [15].
HydrauliCAD (2014) is AutoCAD based water distribution
software integrated with EPANET hydraulic analysis program.
Fundamental understanding serves the purpose of building
hydraulic model with it. HydrauliCAD possesses a feature of
building query for addition and editing of different hydraulic

parameters like head-loss, pressure, flow of distribution

networks. HydrauliCAD provides inbuilt pipe catalogue
comprises of detailed information about pipe material, classes
and sizes. Along with water distribution HydrauliCAD is also
used for fire-flow analysis.
HydrauliCAD is versatile software used by the modelers, field
professionals and engineers [11].
WATSYS (2014) is water distribution simulation and modeling
software based on Geographical Information System (GIS).
WATSYS is efficiently used for designing new water
distribution as well as for up-gradation of existing distribution
network. WATSYS uses EPANET program as basis for water
distribution and water quality analysis scenarios. WATSYS is
easily integrated with AutoCAD to use CAD based drawings to
develop and build hydraulic networks. WATSYS comprises of
features like color-coded plans for making colorful
visualizations of pressure, elevations and flows at different
nodes, easy importing and exporting data files, in-built pipe
catalogue, etc. WATSYS is efficiently used for simulation and
modeling variety types of distribution networks [19].
Pipe2014 is the recent version of KYPipe hydraulic modeling
software package which has a strong computational algorithm
for the fluids essentially water. Pipe2014 can be used for the
designing and selection of pumps, valves, tanks as well as pipes.
It also includes the features like sizing of pipes and optimization
of pump operations. Pipe2014 provides a very interactive and
user friendly interface which offers extensive flexibility to users
for the designing and optimization of distribution networks.
Pipe2014 is compatible to integrate with GIS and variety of
formats of images used for designing distribution networks [23].
Synergi Water (2014) is hydraulic modeling and simulation
software package with the strong database management used for
increasing the efficiency of existing distribution network as well
as in the design and development of the newer one. Synergi
Water provides the variety of advantages over other public
domain softwares, as it provides versatile environment of tools
for detailed and comprehensive modeling, performs speedy and
accurate analysis of extremely large systems comprising of more
than one lakh system components, water quality modeling and
designing of complex systems with proper arrangements of
pump, valves and tanks. Its integrity with the GIS and SCADA
is extremely flexible which makes the remote operations simple
and trouble free [20].
H2Onet and H2Omap (2015) are commercial softwares which
are integrated with the GIS and used for design, analysis and
optimization of different types of water distribution networks. It
is advantageous for leakage detection and assessment, analysis
of fire-flow and hydrant, costoptimization, etc. The most
important feature which makes this software stand-out includes
programmed and automated online SCADA interface. Its
integration with GIS software provides different vector and

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Volume 3, Issue-5 (September-October 2015), PP. 174-178
raster tools which supports wide range of spatial analysis,
sampling, planning, evaluation and assessment of existing as
well as newly developed water supply system [21, 22].
HYDROFLO3 (2015) is advanced version of HYDROFLO
series and used to design variety of the distribution systems
includes pumped flow, gravity fow, flow through pipes as well
as open channel flows. HYDROFLO3 offers advantages of
easy conversions between Metric and SI units, calibration and
validation of existing networks, easy addition and editing of
hydraulic parameters of entire distribution network.
HYDROFLO3 provides a unique feature as Pump base used
for the calculation of pump hydraulic characteristics required
in forced flow systems. Along with water distribution networks
HYDROFLO3 is used for simulation of treatment plants,
chemical dosing systems, industrial applications, fireflow
analysis, etc. It is comprehensive software package used to
design variety of distribution networks with strong data
management capacity [14].
Apart from these softwares large number of other hydraulic
modeling and optimization softwares are available in the
market which essentially include Archimede, Cross, Eraclito,
Helix delta-Q, Netis, OptiDesigner, Wadiso SA, etc.
III.

REVIEW OF APPLICATION OF MODELLING

SOFTWARES

After reviewing of the various freewares and commercial

softwares, it is essential to review their applications. Few of the
applications are reviewed as below.
Ingeduld P. et. al. (2006) studied the intermittent water supply
scheme with two case studies of Shillong, India and Dhaka,
Bangladesh using EPANET software. The alternate emptying
and refilling of water pipelines makes it difficult to apply
standard EPANET based hydraulic models because of low
pressure and empty pipes. The intermittent water supply
systems are highly influenced by the low pressure and dry
pipe situations and hence adjustment in basic EPANET source
code has been carried out so as to design of water distribution
network. Authors had developed a configurable tool for
incorporating roof tanks into the water supply analysis and for
better formulation and schematization of the system
hydraulics. Results obtained from the hydraulic model of these
two case studies, are incorporated in the algorithm of water
distribution software packages, MIKE NET and MIKE
URBAN of DHI hydro-informs [4].
Machell J., et. al., (2010) has discussed about the data which
is collected manually and do not reflect the exact scenario
when the modeling is carried out. They attempted to simulate
the water distribution network online with help of AQUIS 7T
by accessing real time data from different sensors in water
supply system. The online hydraulic simulation model

demonstrates its potential by showing details of a flow event

detected in the DMA (Distribution Management Areas). It is
also discussed that the simulation of various DMAs have
shown appropriate results for pressures at different nodes and
provided early warnings in case of any problem for each pipe
of model. Authors has concluded that the AQUIS 7T is very
efficient online simulation software which results in realistic
benefits at the managerial as well as at the consumer levels
[6].
Arunkumar M., Nethaji Mariappan V.E. (2011) evaluated
and assessed public water supply system with the help of
EPANET 2.0 software for the systematic planning and operation
of distribution system over the design period of 30 years.
Hydraulic model is built and run with EPANET 2.0 for the A
Zone, Thirumullaivoyal, Avadi city of Tamilnadu, India. The
model testing and run has been carried out for 24 hrs supply and
the intermittent supply of 6 hrs and resulting pressure at different
nodes are checked. Pressure for intermittent supply has been
observed almost double (24.03 m) that to pressure observed with
24 hrs supply (12.02 m). Equal pressure has been achieved
throughout the model by providing pressure break and pressure
release valves. EPANET 2.0 software has been efficiently used
for the comparison of 24 hrs supply and intermittent supply of 6
hrs for public water supply system [1].
Ramesh H., et. al., (2012) worked on generation of satellite
based thematic layers, town and ward boundary maps and
Geospatial Information System (GIS) based census data to
estimate water demand, design of transmission lines and main
pipe lines to meet the requirement of future demand for the case
study area of Alnavar, Karnataka, India. They have also used
GIS to integrate and estimate quantity of earth work through
Digital Elevation Model (DEM). The pipe network system is
simulated to understand its behavior for different inputs of
demands using EPANET 2.0. The results obtained from
EPANET 2.0 software are cross-checked against calculation
with hydraulic equations and found accurate. The research work
proved that present software is less tedious in nature and easily
allows incorporating changes [9].
Mohapatra S. et al., (2012) studied the efficiency of water
supply system using EPANET and ArcGIS softwares. They had
carried out the study at Untkhana, Nagpur, India for leakages in
continuous as well as intermittent water supply system and the
simulated results were reviewed. With continuous water supply
system more pressure has been observed but it is less than 12.0
m. EPANET has successfully been used for simulation of both
intermittent and continuous supply providing conclusion that
avoidance of direct tapping to transmission mains and immediate
repair of leakages can improve the system [8].
Gupta I., et. al., (2013) has thoroughly studied the water
distribution network of a small area from Punjab city, India. The

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Volume 3, Issue-5 (September-October 2015), PP. 174-178
work basically includes design of water distribution network
with help of EPANET software along with the study of hydraulic
parameters required in design and corresponding variations in
their functions and values. Design and development of network
comprises of data collection, building water distribution model
and calibration of it with bore-well as source of water supply.
Comparison of pressure has also been carried out between results
obtained from field survey and from the build model. The study
showed that results obtained from EPANET based model and
actual network are close enough to each other [3].
Elsheikh M. A., et. al., (2013) has studied water distribution
network of Tanta city, Egypt, for the design period of 10 years
with the help of WaterCAD software to check the feasibility of
existing distribution network with additional network of new
pipes to serve new and additional areas. The WaterCAD
software is applied to design and optimize the water
distribution network considering severe problem of aging of
pipes as well as to address the quality of water supplied. The
application of various tools of WaterCAD like Darwin
Designer, Pipe catalogue tools are found to be very effective in
overall design and optimization of water distribution network
[2].

Branch, etc., lacks these functionalities. Commercial softwares

offer great flexibility in building different types of hydraulic
models with variety of the features over public domain
softwares. Thus, choice of softwares for water distribution
networks design is based on the overall cost of project, data
required by softwares, specificity of software related to types
of distribution networks it can handle as well as its
computational requirements.
V. CONCLUSION
This extensive review of softwares for designing and modeling
water distribution networks concludes that the choice of design
softwares are entirely depends upon the availability of the data,
time, financial implications, resources, applicability,
compatibility and overall purview of the project. Designing of
Water Distribution Networks (WDNs) requiring modest
accuracy can opt for free-wares but for the speedy and accurate
designing of water distribution networks commercial softwares
are needs to be adopted.
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Arunkumar M., Nethaji Mariappan V.E. (2011), Water demand

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Sumithra R.P., et. al., (2013) has carried out the feasibility
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IV. SUMMARY
From the above review of the softwares and researchers
analysis, it can be summarized that there are different
commercial softwares and free-wares available in the market
to design and optimize variety of water distribution networks
ranging from simple to complex, realistic or even hypothetical.
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in various aspects include their functionality, compatibility to
different computational systems and requirements, graphical
user interfaces (GUIs), searching and optimizing algorithms,
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Volume 3, Issue-5 (September-October 2015), PP. 174-178
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