## 2 Materials and Methods
### Multi-Software Approach for Network Modeling
#### 2.3.1 Data Acquisition and Processing  
Accurate hydraulic modeling of a water distribution system requires reliable data on network infrastructure, topography, and operational conditions. However, in cases where comprehensive datasets are unavailable, a combination of sources and techniques must be utilized to reconstruct the system effectively. In this study, data acquisition and processing were conducted using a multi-software approach that integrated remote sensing, geospatial analysis, and real-time telemetry systems.  
The initial stage involved gathering and processing spatial, hydraulic, and telemetry data to support network modeling. Google Earth (Pro version 7.1.8.3036, Google LLC, Mountain View, CA, USA) was used to extract preliminary geographic information, including elevation profiles and urban layout, enabling a spatial understanding of the study area, and possible locations of the key water infrastructure such as reservoirs, pump stations, and boreholes. While Google Earth provides general elevation data, its accuracy depends on satellite resolution, interpolation algorithms, and terrain complexity, potentially introducing uncertainties in fine-scale hydraulic simulations. The geographical data were further refined using ArcGIS, which facilitated network digitization, topographical analysis, and pressure zone delineation. This process allowed for mapping key infrastructure components such as boreholes, reservoirs, and pump stations while integrating terrain elevation data to estimate hydraulic gradients. Land use classification was also used to differentiate between residential, commercial, and agricultural areas, helping estimate varying water demands.  
AutoCAD was utilized to digitize the existing water distribution network based on schematic maps, field surveys, and archival records. The AutoCAD-drawn network was georeferenced by overlaying it on satellite imagery and elevation data to correct positional inaccuracies. The digitization process involved tracing pipeline layouts, identifying network junctions, and defining critical infrastructure points such as pumping stations and storage tanks.  
To enhance real-time accuracy, SCADA telemetry data were incorporated into the model. The telemetry data collected included flow rates and pressures at key junctions and pumping stations, water levels in reservoirs and storage tanks, and pump operation schedules along with energy consumption patterns, especially for the MBT for July 2022 (11 July 2022) and the supply wells/pumping stations for the year 2022. These observations were used to validate network conditions and improve model reliability.  
Before integration into the hydraulic simulation framework, all the acquired data underwent preprocessing to ensure consistency. This included filtering out errors and inconsistencies in telemetry data, converting spatial datasets into standardized formats, and estimating missing values using interpolation techniques, thus ensuring seamless integration with the hydraulic modeling software WaterGEMS (version 10.02.03.06, Bentley Systems, Exton, PA, USA). Due to the absence of high-resolution digital elevation models (DEMs) or ground-truth validation data, the study employed the Terrain Extractor (TRex) plugin processing within WaterGEMS to refine and smooth elevation inputs, making the estimations sufficiently reliable for network digitization and pressure zone delineation.