Published Paper Details:

Urban water supply systems are vital infrastructures that ensure equitable and continuous access to potable water across diverse consumer categories. However, with increasing urbanization, population pressure, aging pipeline networks, and operational inefficiencies, metropolitan cities like Mumbai are facing significant challenges in managing water distribution effectively. These challenges often manifest as pressure inconsistencies, leakages, unaccounted-for water losses, and an overall decline in service reliability. To address these issues, advanced hydraulic modeling tools such as WaterGEMS and EPANET have emerged as powerful simulation platforms for the assessment, optimization, and redesign of complex water supply networks. These tools allow for real-time analysis of flow, pressure, and demand variations across a distribution system, enabling engineers to identify leakage-prone areas, optimize pump operations, and ensure balanced pressure management. The integration of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems further enhances the accuracy of hydraulic models by incorporating spatial and operational data. This review critically examines the role of hydraulic modeling in diagnosing the inefficiencies of existing water supply systems with a particular focus on a case study in Mumbai. The expected outcomes of such modeling efforts include up to 30% improvement in pressure regulation, 60% reduction in losses through infrastructure modernization, and enhanced operational efficiency through SCADA-based control systems. This paper consolidates insights from literature, government standards, and case studies to highlight the transformative potential of data-driven water management strategies for sustainable urban development