Using EPANET to optimize operation of the rural water distribution system at Braggs, Oklahoma

Scope and Method of Study. This study was carried out in order to assess the performance of the drinking water distribution system at Braggs, Oklahoma using hydraulic simulation software and to address any improvements required in order to improve quality of service to their customers. The study also aimed to establish how common problems experienced by rural water systems can be detected and addressed using hydraulic simulation software. The main focus of the study was water quality, pressure at different points within the distribution system, fire flow requirements, pipe materials and age of the distribution system.;The study was conducted as part of a larger project funded by the Oklahoma Water Resources Research Institute (OWRRI) that aimed to provide an easily accessible and cost effective way for rural water systems in Oklahoma to evaluate the performance of their distribution networks and plan for improvements. The city of Braggs which is located in eastern Oklahoma, 56 miles south east of Tulsa, was selected because it fits the description of a Rural Water System (RWS). The water distribution system serves 1030 people in the city and surrounding areas.;Water utilities seek to provide customers with a reliable and continuous supply of high quality water while minimizing costs. Due to their nature, distribution networks contain points of vulnerability where contamination can occur. Rural water systems are often small and struggle to meet even the basic requirements of the safe drinking water act (SDWA) since they often collect insufficient revenues to keep their networks operating properly. Distribution system modeling helps to identify points where contamination is likely to occur, identifies required upgrades in advance, and forms a basis for decision support by evaluating possible alternatives.;Findings and Conclusions. The study at Braggs predicted low pressures at certain points with the system, identified areas with insufficient fire flows, and where disinfectant residuals were likely to fall below the ODEQ minimum requirements; as well problems with water age that could not be addressed by conventional methods like looping. These problems however, were predicted in the country and not within the city limits. The study generally revealed the usefulness of hydraulic modeling as a decision support tool.