Book

Urban Water Supply System Performance Assessment: The Case of Alem Gena Town presents a comprehensive, data-driven evaluation of how effectively an urban water system functions in one of Ethiopia’s rapidly growing towns. As population growth and urban expansion intensify demand, water utilities must ensure reliable, safe, and efficient service delivery. This book examines the entire water supply chain, sources, production, distribution, quality, and customer experience through a system-analysis approach. The study showed major challenges affecting the Alem Gena water system, including frequent interruptions in groundwater production, high levels of non-revenue water, pressure inconsistencies, and operational limitations. Laboratory tests show partial compliance with national and WHO drinking-water standards, showing the need for stronger quality monitoring and improved chlorination practices. Customer-survey findings point to dissatisfaction with continuity of supply, water quality concerns, and delays in maintenance response. Beyond analyzing weaknesses, the book offers practical recommendations for reducing water loss, strengthening preventive maintenance, improving water quality management, and enhancing institutional capacity. It provides a framework that can be adapted by other towns facing similar challenges. This book is a valuable resource for engineers, planners, researchers, students, development practitioners, and water-utility managers seeking evidence-based insights to support sustainable and resilient urban water management.