Most software for water distribution network analyses and design are based on these methods. The most commonly used theories for analyzing a water distribution network are Hardy-Cross, Newton-Ralphson and linear theories ( Henshaw & Nwaogazie 2015). This has necessitated the quest for methods that can effectively and efficiently analyze the system ( Henshaw & Nwaogazie 2015). However, as the system of pipes becomes increasingly complex, getting a precise estimate of the parameters mentioned becomes cumbersome.
The main parameters considered in the hydraulic design of a water distribution system are pressure and hydraulic gradient ( Abdulkadir & Sule 2012). Many water distribution network modeling packages require input data from many sources, some of which cannot be measured directly and are not determined precisely. As a result, the hydraulic modeling and analysis of a water distribution network should be given pre-eminence. The cost of setting up a water distribution system is largely influenced by the accuracy of the hydraulic design and analysis, accounting for up to 80% of the total cost of the system ( Garg 2005). The components of a distribution system are pipes, valves, hydrants and appurtenances used for distributing the water, elevated tanks and reservoirs used for fire protection and for equalizing pressure, and pump discharge and meters ( Ayanshola et al. Generally, a water supply system comprises of intake works, treatment works, transmission mains, storage and distribution network ( Swamee & Sharma 2008). Abdulkadir & Sule (2012) noted that a distribution system must supply water of good quality, in adequate quantities and at sufficient pressure to meet system requirements to the users. These connections form an integral part of the master plan for communities, countries, and municipalities. 6.74 billion (10 9) people) had access to piped water supply through house connections ( Anisha et al.
In 2010, an estimated amount of about 85% of the world's population (i.e. Water supply systems are among the most important public utilities, because safe supply of potable water is the basic necessity of mankind in any given municipality ( Swamee & Sharma 2008). The results in this study revealed that the performance of the water distribution system of Wadata sub-zone under current demand is inefficient. These excess velocities are partly responsible for the leakages and pipe bursts observed at some points within the system. About 88 percent (87.7%) of flow velocities in the pipes were within the adopted velocity while around 12 percent (12.3%) of the velocities exceeded the adopted velocity. These negative pressures indicate that there is inadequate head within the distribution network for water conveyance to all the sections. About 19 percent (18.52%) of the total number of nodes analyzed had negative pressures while 69 percent (69%) of the nodes had pressures less than the adopted pressure for the analysis. There was no statistical difference between the results of Epanet and WaterCAD, however, Epanet produced slightly higher results of pressure and velocity in about 60% of all cases examined. This study evaluated the performance of Wadata sub-zone water distribution system with respect to pressure, velocity, hydraulic head loss and nodal demands using WaterCAD and Epanet. The result is that overall water demand is usually not satisfied. Population explosion in urban settings usually exerts enormous pressure on existing water supply systems.