Using EPA-SWMM to simulate intermittent water distribution systems

ABSTRACT

EPA Storm Water Management Model (EPA-SWMM), developed for the analysis of urban drainage systems, was used in a novel way to simulate the filling phase in intermittent water distribution systems. Firstly, the model was validated against field experimental observations from a filling test in a real water distribution network in Sicily. Then, model results were compared to those obtained by the use of a model based on the theory of the rigid water column, revealing the potential and limitations of the two approaches. The obtained results open new perspectives for the use of EPA-SWMM for the analysis of processes occurring in intermittent water distribution systems.

KEYWORDS:

• Intermittent water supply
• water distribution system modelling
• network filling process
• EPA-SWMM

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Supplementary material

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Additional information

Funding

This work has been [partially] funded by the University of Catania within the project 'Piano della ricerca dipartimentale 2016-2018', Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture.