Application des systèmes SCADA pour la surveillance et le contrôle des réseaux d’eau potable

Abstract

General Summary This research examined the application of SCADA systems (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) for monitoring and controlling drinking water distribution networks, with a practical implementation on the network of Tébessa province under the ADE company. The study aimed to address the chronic problems affecting the network, including low pressure in high-altitude areas (0.2 bar), electricity waste of 46%, water losses of 35%, and a long fault response time of up to 3 hours. The study adopted a hybrid methodology combining theory and field application, designing an integrated SCADA system that included five types of sensors (pressure, flow, water level, temperature, vibration), PLC control units, a central server with Ignition software, and hybrid communication means (GPRS and radio). A hydraulic model was also built using EPANET software to simulate network performance before and after system implementation. Field results after applying the system to a pilot sector for 3 months showed significant improvement in performance indicators: pressure increased to 1.25 bar, water availability reached 24 hours daily, electricity consumption decreased by 46%, water losses reduced to 14%, fault response time decreased to less than 30 minutes, and citizen satisfaction reached 98%. The study recommended gradually generalizing the system across the entire province, establishing a central control room, training staff, and investing in predictive maintenance, confirming that the cost payback period does not exceed two years. This study serves as a practical model that can be applied to other Algerian provinces and countries with arid or semi-arid climates to achieve water security and sustainable development.