Failures analysis of water distribution network during 2006-2008 in Ahvaz, Iran

Failures in the water distribution network are some most important factors in water losses, water shortage and dissatisfaction of users and secondary pollutions as well. This research aimed to analyze failure in water distribution networks during 2006-2008, for better water management. Daily failure reports in Ahvaz, Iran distribution network during 2006-2008, were collected from emergency department of Ahvaz water and Wastewater Company; thereafter, they were entered into an Excel database, also failures were defined by pipes type, pipe diameter, and cause of the failure, and finally the data were analyzed. Results indicated that asbestos and polyethylene pipes show maximum failures; maximum failure and fracture has occurred in pipes with 100 and 150 mm diameters. The most important factors affecting on failure were corrosion, traffic load and landslide. In addition, simultaneous influence of type and the diameter of the pipe on the failures were statistically significant. The depth of pipes establishment, corrosion and obsolescence of pipes as well as improper type of pipes were the most important causes of failures in Ahvaz Water Distribution Network. In this regard, upgrading pipe material setting standards and renewing water pipe network are the main strategies for failures minimization.