An Expeditious Campaign of Field Experiments for Preliminary Analysis of the Hydraulic Behavior of Intermittent Water Distribution Networks

Abstract

The paper describes the results of a field experimental campaign carried out on the intermittent water distribution system (WDS) of a small municipality in southern Italy. In a novel way, as compared to the existing literature, the monitoring campaign covered the whole cycle of operation of the WDSs. In total, 8 days of experiments were carried out between June and August of the year 2019. Simultaneous measurements of water level and outflow from the municipal reservoirs, and nodal pressures were collected in order to analyze the water distribution network (WDN) behavior during the intermittent supply. The collected data give us a proper understanding of the functioning of the WDS during the whole cycle of intermittent supply, also providing the base for future proper network modelling under intermittent operation. In addition, preliminary analysis of inequity in water distribution among users and water leakages throughout the network are derived from the collected data. Finally, limitations of the study as well as potential for future research developments are discussed.