Application of Geospatial Technology for Efficient Water Distribution Network in Undulating Terrains of Enugu urban, Southeast Nigeria

Abstract Rapid urbanization has continued to exacerbate pipe borne water supply challenges in many urban areas in sub-Saharan Africa, including Nigeria. Hence, innovative systems and strategies are needed to support effective planning of surface and underground facilities for efficient water distribution network in this region. This research is aimed at using geospatial technology to develop an efficient water distribution network for urban areas with undulating terrain using Enugu, southeast Nigeria as a case study. Data sourced from physical observations and maps of the existing water distribution network, location of the reservoirs and booster points, and settlement pattern of Enugu revealed that the existing water distribution network was inconsistent with terrain configuration of the city and lacked provisions for future expansion. Consequently, in developing a new water distribution network, evaluation of the terrain of the city from spot heights dataset extracted from LIght Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) Satellite image was done. Based on the data obtained, the city was divided into 12 water distribution zones, with reservoirs sited at points of highest elevation to allow pipe borne water reticulation by gravity using Geographic Information System (GIS) tools. A combination of radial and dead-end water distribution standard systems was applied in the production of water distribution network map for Enugu urban with provisions made for future expansions. The efficiency of this distribution network was tested and confirmed to be suitable with United State’s Environmental Protection Agency domain software EPANET for water distribution model; and thus recommended for adoption in Enugu and other cities with undulating topography and water distribution challenges.