Development of a Conceptual Decision Support System for Drinking Water Treatment Process

Abstract

Drinking Water Decision Support System (DW-DSS) model is an integration of knowledge based information and programming tool aimed at tackling the overwhelming task of providing water under the condition of poor raw water quality and limited financial capacity. Visual Basic 6.0 was selected for the development due to its event driven ability, its capability of object oriented programming and a user-friendly interface. DW-DSS was developed to help water resource technical personnel and manager in acquiring information on the processes of drinking water treatment plant. Examples of data types, Graphical User Interface (GUI) and simulation results were presented. The simulation result demonstrates the use of DW-DSS model and an algorithm for the process design for drinking water treatment plant in Kachia, Kaduna State. It also estimates coagulation and flocculation detention time, amount of bags of alum needed for treating water of different turbidity, pumping cost of machine and it efficiency with a summary of the treatment process. It was concluded that DW-DSS is a useful tool in drinking water treatment plant.