Designing advanced asset management for Water Distribution Networks: application to a real case study

Abstract

[EN] In recent years, water utility companies are facing several challenges in managing water distribution networks caused by the combined effect of aging, network complexity, changing water needs and availability. In this sense, the main trend to be countered is the increase in the deterioration of pipelines, therefore of water losses and finally the increasing probability of pipe failures. Leaks represent a significant challenge for water services in terms of technical, economic and safety damage, as well as reliability of service to users. Therefore, it is necessary to support technicians and water utilities in the effective management of water distribution networks in the short and long term, allowing them to gain a better understanding of network behaviour and to implement a more efficient use of water. To this end, optimal design solutions can be developed for asset management based on an integrated approach that incorporates advanced hydraulic modelling, network monitoring and technical-engineering knowledge of the network. This work presents a complete methodology for water distribution network asset management, integrating optimal district metering areas design and pressure control with optimal pipe replacement. The case study presented concerns the city of Bari, the capital of the Puglia region, in southern Italy, a municipality of over 300,000 inhabitants, as part of a project tender for the improvement of the asset managed by Acquedotto Pugliese, the largest water company in Italy. Each designed activity in the methodology has been evaluated in terms of leakage reductions performances, under given economic constraints, to fully support technicians and water utilities in addressing water distribution network management plans.