Optimisation of the choice of the sizing method for drinking water networks in the developing countries: A case of Cameroon

In developing countries (DC), particularly in Cameroon, the demand for drinking water is increasing. To date, the methods of design, sizing and extension of existing drinking water networks are done through the EPANET application which is a simulation software based on the Hardy-Cross method. The main objective of this study is to set up a local tool adapted to the context of D.C. allowing the design, sizing and extension of networks based on the rough model method (RMM). Thus, on the basis of a previously modelled existing network, a comparison was made between the Hardy-Cross method and the RMM (according to the criteria: costs, speed of execution, aptitude for automation, fidelity and precision) with the multi-criteria analysis tool PROMETHEE II. The results of this analysis show that the best adapted method for the design, sizing and extension of drinking water networks is the RMM. It appears that the setting up of water supply networks in DC must be done by the RMM for affordable costs, rapid execution, easy reproducibility and reliable precision.