European Water 60: 33-40, 2017.

© 2017 E.W. Publications

Evaluation and development of spatial decision support system

H. Alrayess1* and A. Ulke2

Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Ondokuz Mayis University, Samsun,Turkey
*
e-mail: hesham.majed@hotmail.com

Abstract: Studies have been expanded heavily at water networks sector especially at residential areas which including a high
density of population. This paper discusses the use of a Geographic Information System (GIS) as a Decision Support
System (DSS) generator to create Spatial Decision Support Systems (SDSS) to evaluate the hydraulic situation of the
water network. A hydraulic model was used on the small zone of Gaza city (case study the northern Nasser water
network) to get a high accurately results. Calibration and SDSS used to identify the technical problems. The
developed SDSS may be used at all zones of Gaza city to improve the network efficiency and effectiveness of
operation. In addition, the results of this study will be the base of Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition
(SCADA) system to make the system more automated and specify any sudden problem at the system and to give more
accurate data. GIS software is recommended to be used in order to better utilize the developed water network database
and make the operating and management more effectively. The results indicated that 82% of Zone 2, the water
velocity ranged between 0-0.25 m/s while in Zone 1 the percentage is 59%. 70% of the water pressure at Zone 1 has 2
bars while in Zone 2 the percentage is 72% for 1 bar. The low values of the velocities may result from the leakage at
the system.

Key words: Performance evaluation, Water distribution network, GIS, Water CAD, Gaza City

1. INTRODUCTION

Nowadays, water utilities of water supply systems (WSSs) in Gaza are facing a great challenge
to save water. Like many large cities around the world, infrastructure has become very complex
over time (Merchant et al., 2014). At Gaza city, the water distribution networks (WDNs) suffers
from many defects and a high percentage of losses which make the network works randomly at the
hydraulic system without any development. Using Geographical Information System (GIS) makes
operation, maintenance and planning of water supply more effective and economical. Decision-
makers in Gaza municipality and non-technical water managers in water system management and
more specifically in water network assessment usually face difficulties in dealing with sophisticated
tools of information such as GIS through its adopted applications such as WaterCAD, ArcGIS,
Geomedia Professional and other applications.
Studies on WDNs performance are a core issue as a tool for water management entities decision
making. In order to achieve this goal, it is necessary to know both the WDN’s infrastructure
registration and the hydraulic operating conditions (flows and pressures) for simulation computation
(Alves et al., 2014). According to Walski et al. (2003) simulation is an emulating process where
system’s performance is computed using a mathematical representation of the real WDN in order to
reproduce the responses of real systems for the same input conditions. This, so called model, must
be calibrated. A network consists of pipes, nodespumps, valves and water supply. WaterCAD tracks
the flow of water in each pipe, the pressure at each node, the height of water in each tank, and the
concentration of a chemical species throughout the network during a simulation period comprised
of multiple time steps. In addition to chemical species, water age and source tracing can also be
simulated (Vuta and Piraianu, 2008). Custom open GIS applications could act as Decision Support
System (DSS) and to some extent as a Spatial Decision Support System (SDSS). Typically, such a
system will include spatial data relevant to the decision. The main aim of this Paper is to use
(WaterCAD) modeling to develop SDSS for the water network in the Northern Nasser area as a
34 H. Alrayess & A. Ulke

pilot small scale from the city. To be more specific assess the efficiency of the network (The
Northern Nasser area) and Develop SDSS of The Northern Nasser water network as a pilot scale.

2. WATER DISTRIBUTION NETWORK

Continuous improvements on water loss management are being applied, based on the use of new
available technologies. Nonetheless, the whole leakage localization process may still require long
periods of time with an important volume of water wasted before the leak is found (Perez et al.,
2011). There are essentially two main types of performance evaluation tools available to water and
wastewater utility managers (Cardoso et al., 2004): systems of performance indicators and technical
performance assessment tools.

2.1 GIS and ArcGIS

A GIS provides a powerful analytical tool that can be used to create and link spatial and
descriptive data for problem-solving, spatial modeling and to present the results in tables or maps
(Bice et al., 2000). The most powerful feature of a GIS, from a planner’s perspective, is probably
the ability of GIS to integrate databases, through their spatial relationships, that would be difficult
or impossible to do outside a GIS environment (Walski et al., 2003). Physical configuration of
WDNs such as coordinate, length, diameter and material of pipes, junctions, connections,
elevations, etc. can be obtained from updated GIS (Geographical Information Systems) database
systems in advanced WDNs (Kara et al., 2016). Results of these GIS operations are stored in an
ESRI personal geodatabase as a Microsoft Access database with sets of attribute tables designed for
holding geodatabase metadata along with the feature geometry (Coelho et al., 2012).

2.2 Decision Support System (DSS)

DSS may be considered to be a new generation of information systems, the goal of which is to
try to discover what would happen if a series of decisions are taken or going even further, by
automatically providing the decisions or suggestions that assist the manager (Adenso-Diaz et al.,
2005). DSSs are interactive programs, which embed traditional water resource simulation and
optimization models, with adaptation of new approaches, to support users in semi-structural or ill-
structural problem solving (Manoli et al., 2001; Willuweit and O'Sullivan, 2013) Proposed a DSS
focusing on urbanization in order to assess the performance of centralized and decentralized water
management alternatives. DSS is also an integrated environment to share and manage data and to
facilitate cooperation among different levels of users (Yingchun and Zhuotong, 2013). A DSS has
been defined in many different ways, but it can be regarded in general as an interactive, flexible,
and adaptable computer based information system especially developed for supporting the
recognition and solution of a complex, poorly structured or unstructured, strategic management
problem for improved decision-making (BFG, 2000).

3. OPERATING SYSTEM
Generally, Gaza operating system consists of two cycles for water distribution because the
electricity crises which resulted from the Israeli siege at Gaza strip in Palestine since 2006 and
according to supply areas, density of population and water sources. This operating system had
become the standard operating system for the city to supply water for all population at Gaza city.
This paper provides a base for WDN at Gaza city and the current system and the way of operation.
The operating system was planned by elevation at zones. Cycle 1 was operated for the high
elevation level and Cycle 2 was operated for the low elevation level. According to the operation
cycles, the boundary of zones is determined and controlled by valves manually from technicians.
European Water 60 (2017) 35

The distribution system depends mainly on direct pumping from the wells to the WDN. These
pumping stations (Well Pumps) are managed manually through operators as three consecutive 8-
hour shifts along the day. Decisions are made according to observations and feedback which is
delivered through operators and SCADA system.

4. STUDY AREA
Palestine is one of the important places in the world, it’s located at the middle part between Asia
and Africa as shown in Figure 1. Gaza city is a Palestinian city in the Gaza Strip, its location in
31°31′ N, 34°27′ E, it’s considered one of highest overpopulation regions in the world. There are
588,033 capita in 45 km2. It is considered one of the poorest regions of water resources. The
existing supply of potable water in Gaza depends on well sources abstracted from the aquifer only
and there are no other resources available for supplying people. As a prototype (Pilot scale) a small
two zones were taken in this study as shown at Figure 2 with totally area 245814 m2 (131084 m2 for
Zone 1 and 114730 m2 for Zone 2) and totally population 12788 capita (4380 capita for Zone 1 and
8408 capita for Zone 2). These zones were supplied from one water well (Kamal Nasser) with total
flow amount 65 m3/hr for each zone. Zone 1 was suppling at operating system Cycle 2 on the other
hand Zone 2 was suppling at operating system Cycle 1. Figure 3 shows that pump characteristic of
Kamal Nasser well (Pump flow curve) located at Sheikh Radwan area in a good condition and work
without any problems.

Figure 1. Palestine boundaries map.

Figure 2. Arial photo for Zone 1 and Zone 2 case study.

36 H. Alrayess & A. Ulke

Figure 3. Pump characteristic curve at Kamal Nasser well.

Demand pattern is one of the critical component at the system, from which is identified how
much inhabitants consume to describe in the graph. The distribution approach at each zone where
the consumption is assumed equally at all supply interval (18 hours). The multiplier is constant at
value equal one during all the eighteen operating hours. It means that all operating hours are critical
not only in a specific interval.

5. SPATIAL DECISION MAKING

ArcGIS is operated this stage by export all elements at WaterCAD as shape files and import it at
ArcGIS. Quires and statically analysis made indication for Decision support from many indicators:
Pressure, demand, diameter, pipes material, flow and velocity. Pressure, flow and demand played a
primary role of the critical components for decision support. SDSS components are consisted of:
Pipes and junctions. Pipe indicators are divided to diameter, flow rate and velocity but for junctions,
the indicators are divided to demand and pressure. Diameters vary according to pipes type’s un-
plasticized polyvinyl chloride (UPVC) and steel. Flow rates are transferred at pipes from the well to
every junction. The velocity of flow is depended on the diameter. Demand is identified according to
the population density. Performance criteria are used to evaluate the different perspectives of
WDNs. In order to fully understand the hydraulic efficiency in water distribution systems (WDSs),
the nodal pressure or water age parameters should be observed over a 24-h period of time.

6. APPLICATION

6.1 Model of the water distribution network

The water distribution network model consists of: 88 pipes (Divided to 32 pipes for Zone 1 and
56 pipes for Zone 2), one water well (Kamal Nasser well), 66 junctions (Divided to 24 junctions for
Zone 1 and 42 junctions for Zone 2) and 4 gate valves. Originally, the pumping station was
provided with an opened storage tank. The tank was supplied by the main water distribution
network of the city. The general layout of the network, diameters and lengths of the pipes were
introduced based on the information existing at the Water Distribution Company. In fact, obtaining
a network model from an existing AutoCAD drawing (with attributes) or GIS is quite simple, by the
use of additional software.

6.2 Components of SDSS in zone 1 and zone 2

A general layout of the water distribution network components of Zone 1 shows at Figure 4 for
European Water 60 (2017) 37

the south part from Kamal Nasser well supplied at operation Cycle 2 which explained the pipe types
and pressure values at junctions from 1 to 2 bar by ArcGIS. Another general layout to the
components of Zone 2 for the north part from Kamal Nasser well supplied at operation Cycle 1
which explained the pipe types and pressure values at junctions from 1 to 3 bar by ArcGIS as shown
at Figure 5.

Figure 4. Water distribution network configuration (Zone 1).

Figure 5. Water distribution network configuration (Zone 2).

SCADA system for Kamal Nasser well wasn’t installed so it affected at well control and
operated manually.

6.3 System results

By make the final analysis step the next table represents the results for two zones at the pilot
area.
38 H. Alrayess & A. Ulke

Table 1. Pilot scale study area results.

Average daily Total
Flow Rate Flow range Pressure Operating
Zone No. consumption consumption
(m3/hr) (m3/hr) (Bar) hours (hr)
(L/day) (m3/day)
Zone 1 58 160 1401 1-58 1-2 18
Zone 2 63 90 1513 1-63 1-3 18

Table 1 shows a high accurately results of pilot study area after calibration stage with equal in
operating hours 18 hr. Total population at Zone 1 equal 4380 capita but at Zone 2 equal 8408 capita,
it means Concentration at Zone 2 is double Zone 1 because area for each zones near the same value.
The Average daily consumption per capita was 90 L/day at Zone 2 but Zone 1 was got 160 L/day
with review for total population is shown that Zone 1 have a clear leakage near 70 L/day for each
capita, but model and calibration stages was defined the point of leakage with pressure head
13.78 m at the end of this point there was a valve normally close but from this study we discover all
this valve fault of made a high percentage from leakage.

6.4 Junction’s results

According to population distribution for each junction, a demand of Zone 1 is ranged between
27 – 134 m3/day with a mean and standard deviation 58.46, 25.628, respectively. On the other hand,
a demand of Zone 2 is changed between 14 – 60 m3/day with a mean and standard deviation 36.024,
11.57, respectively.
Zone 1 pressure values, at 24 junctions were resulted between 1-2 bar near 70% at 1 bar with a
mean of 1.29 bar as shown at Figure 6 and standard deviation 0.464 bar, but Figure 7 represented
the pressure values for Zone 2, at 42 junctions between 1-3 bar near 72% at 2 bar with a mean of
2.14 bar and standard deviation 0.521.

Figure 6. Zone 1 pressure percentage at junctions. Figure 7. Zone 2 pressure percentage at junctions.

The critical problem at Zone 1 was resulted at the pressure values the highest percentage for 1bar
(72%) and with some review for the differences at pressure head after calibration were resulted
from fittings at zones and k coefficient. The results for Zone 2 was resulted more acceptable than
Zone 1 but without 3 bar like Zone 1.

6.5 Pipe’s results

32 Pipes of Zone 1 is changed between 101.5 mm (Steel), 110 mm UPVC and 160 mm UPVC.
On the other hand, Zone 2 is consisted of 56 Pipes, it is recorded between 101.5 mm (Steel),
110 mm UPVC, 160 mm UPVC and 203.1 mm (Steel). But actually, the most used pipe diameter
was 110 mm and UPVC material with percentage 59.38% and 76.79% for Zone 1 and Zone 2,
respectively.
European Water 60 (2017) 39

Zone 1 has flow rate at the range from 0 to 1400 m3/day which resulted from 18 hr of operating
at Kamal Nasser well. Figure 8 shows Zone 1 flow rate percentage for pipes, distributed from 0 –
1400 m3/day. Beside of this, Zone 2 had flow rate at the range from 7 to 1513 m3/day, mean
213.45 m3/day and standard deviation 364.83 m3/day which resulted from 18 hr of operating at
Kamal Nasser well and Figure 9 shows Zone 2 flow rate percentage for pipes, distributed from 0 –
1510 m3/day.

Figure 8. Zone 1 pipes flow rate percentage. Figure 9. Zone 2 pipes flow rate percentage.

According to velocity results at Figure 10, the velocity percentage between pipes at Zone 1
divided into five intervals. The interval from 0 – 0.25 m/s takes the maximum value of 59% and the
minimum percentage is for interval 1 – 1.5 m/s at operating hours. On the other hand, Figure 11
shows that Zone 2 velocity percentage between pipes divided into five intervals. The interval from 0
– 0.25 m/s take the maximum value of 82% and the minimum percentage is for interval 0.5 – 1 m/s
at operating hours.

Figure 10. Zone 1 pipes velocity percentage. Figure 11. Zone 2 pipes velocity percentage.

The critical problem at pipes was resulted at the percentage of velocity, it describe the attitude of
flow at pipes move slowly as shown at Figures 10 and 11 but as a temporary solution the system
can be improved by change flow value to increase velocity value.

7. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

A prototype spatial decision support system for the evaluation of WDN has been outlined. A
pilot scale study provided a sample to apply at all zones of Gaza city to improve the network
efficiency and effectiveness of operation. All outputs from this study about this pilot study zones
(Zone 1 and 2) at Gaza city water network analysis:
On the first hand, the pressure values of Zone 1 were changed between 1 to 2 bar with
percentage 71% and 29% respectively. The pipe diameters were distributed for 101.5 mm with
40 H. Alrayess & A. Ulke

percentage 3.13%, 110 mm with percentage 59.38% and 160 mm with percentage 37.5%. Beside of
that 59% of water velocity in Zone 1 ranged between 0-0.25 m/s. On the other hand, the pressure
values of Zone 2 resulted 72% for 1 bar, 21% for 2 bar and 7% for 3 bar. The pipe diameters were
distributed for 101.5 mm with percentage 3.57%, 110 mm with percentage 76.79%, 160 mm with
percentage 14.29% and 8 inch with percentage 5.36%. However, 82% of water velocity in Zone 2
ranged between 0-0.25 m/s. This study must apply for Gaza city network by making an isolate
zones to make control more easily especially at Zone 1 and identify the benefits from calibration
and decision support system. The results have discovered enough values of operating hours for each
zones to supply water. This study made explore problems and weakness points more easily, at Zone
1 demand high values (160 L/day/cap.) which reflect the high percentage of leakage at the whole
network. Losses are one of many defects at the system it resulted from illegal connections, fittings
and network situation. Calibration accuracy is reached to near 96%. Preventative maintenance for
valves avoid the high percentage of losses. Automation approach for valves and well control
through SCADA make two important points: historical data as a reference and future development
planning. Pipes type was affected by the quality of zone operation so at this zone UPVC take the
maximum percentage. The low values for velocity at Zone 1 and 2 need more solutions to avoid this
problem because of the maximum percentage at 0 – 0.25 m/s velocity. Reduce valves as possible to
avoid the high drop at pressure.

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