Application of GIS in Water Distribution Network Management in Lokoja, Kogi State

Effective management of urban water distribution networks requires spatially accurate infrastructure inventories and analytical tools capable of supporting leak detection, demand estimation, and maintenance planning. This study applies GIS to water distribution network management in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital and geopolitical confluence city of the North Central zone. Existing pipeline infrastructure data are compiled from engineering drawings of the Kogi State Water Board, digitised, and georeferenced to a common coordinate system. Field GPS surveys are conducted to verify and update the spatial accuracy of the network database, recording pipe material, diameter, age, and valve locations. Pressure zone analysis and demand allocation based on building count and land use data are integrated into the GIS model. Hydraulic simulation using EPANET, linked to the GIS network, is conducted to identify low-pressure zones, bottleneck pipe segments, and areas with insufficient supply capacity. Results reveal that over forty percent of the distribution network consists of pipes exceeding thirty years of age without documented maintenance records, predominantly in the Old Lokoja and Adankolo districts. The study recommends a systematic network rehabilitation schedule based on hydraulic priority scoring and provides a digital asset management platform for the Kogi State Water Board. Keywords: GIS, water distribution network, Lokoja, hydraulic modelling, EPANET.