Modeling Intermittent Water Supply using SWMM: Recommended Procedures Based on Quantitative Evidence

More than one billion people depend on Intermittent Water Supply (IWS) Networks for their water supply, which are known for lower service quality and equality. Regrettably, IWS networks cannot be readily modelled using available hydraulic software, leaving IWS utilities and managers without the useful modelling tools used for other Water Distribution Networks. Recent research explored the potential of adapting established software, e.g., EPA-SWMM, for modelling Intermittent Water Supply. In this paper, we outline our developed procedure to adapt SWMM for modelling IWS networks: how to model user demand and storage, filling and draining of water pipes, leaks, supply sources, etc. Additionally, we provide specific guidance on modelling parameters and procedures based on quantitative evidence, for example, using EXTRAN vs. slot and a timestep-length sensitivity analysis. Our developed procedures potentially constitute a major step towards a complete and accessible IWS hydraulic model.