Validation of Chlorine Decay Equation for Water Quality Analysis in Distribution Networks

This article discusses the extent of the spread of contamination in water distribution networks which may enter through a pipe leak, and the decay rate of chlorine for a specified design duration. A comprehensive water quality analysis is performed using EPANet 2.2 for the spread of contamination and chlorine decay. The results show that a contaminant entering at the highest point of the network would pollute the whole network whereas the effect of such a contaminant would be limited if it enters at the lowest location. Also, the initial chlorine concentration is found to be more for such critical nodes which are higher in elevation, although the decay rate remains the same. The research proves to be beneficial for the management of water distribution through pipe networks against contaminants for maintaining public health.