Study the variability of water quality in a large distribution network, Dr Md Mortula, Dr Kazi Fattah and Dr Tarig Ali
Dr Md Maruf Mortula
American University of Sharjah
United Arab Emirates
Dr Kazi Parvez Fattah
American University of Sharjah
United Arab Emirates
Dr Tarig Ali
American University of Sharjah
United Arab Emirates
Purpose: Maintaining a healthy water distribution infrastructure is the key to providing good quality services to the consumers for long period of time. Maintaining the integrity of the infra structure is not possible without appropriate management of water quality throughout the water distribution system. Water distribution network in the city of Sharjah, UAE is facing one such challenge. Due to its large and diverse network characteristics, understanding the water quality pattern is critical to appropriate management. The objective of this paper was to study the variability of the water quality parameters in Sharjah water distribution network.
Methodology: Water quality monitoring data was collected from 46 diff erent locations throughout the distribution network within Sharjah Water Electricity Authority (SEWA). Several water quality parameters were monitored including pH, Electrical Conductivity (EC), residual chlorine, iron and fl uoride. Graphical and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) based analysis was conducted on the variability of water quality parameters throughout the distribution network.
Findings: The results indicated that the old part of the city is more venerable to water quality degradation than the new distribution network.Even though all the water quality parameters were within the limits set by the government, there are sections of distribution network that can be maintained with priority to ensure sustainable infrastructure.
Originality/Value: This study provides an important understanding of the variability of water quality through SEWA water distribution network. Hence, the study revealed the sections of the distribution network that needs to be managed for sustainable development for the city of Sharjah
Keywords: water distribution network; water quality; infrastructure integrity; sustainability; spatial variability; infrastructure management.
Citation: Mortula, M., Fattah, K. and Ali, T. (2016): Study the variability of water quality in a large distribution network. In Ahmed, A. (Ed.): Europe at a Crossroads and the Impact of Globalization, Vol. 14, pp. 385-394.
