A novel water supply network sectorization methodology based on a complete economic analysis, including uncertainties

Abstract

[EN] The core idea behind sectorization of water supply networks (WSNs) is to establish areas partially isolated from the rest of the network to improve operational control. Besides the benefits associated to sectorization, some drawbacks must be taken into consideration by water operators: the economic investment associated to both boundary valves and flowmeters, and the reduction of both pressure and system resilience. The target of sectorization is to properly balance these negative and positive aspects. Sectorization methodologies addressing the economic aspects mainly consider costs of valves and flowmeters and of energy, and the benefits in terms of water saving linked to pressure reduction. However, sectorization entails other benefits such as reduction of domestic consumption; reduction of bursts frequency; and enhanced capacity to detect and intervene over future leakage events. We implement a development proposed by the International Water Association (IWA) to estimate the aforementioned benefits. Such development is integrated in a novel sectorization methodology based on a Social Network Community Detection Algorithm, combined with a Genetic Algorithm optimization method and Monte Carlo Simulation. The methodology is implemented over a fraction of the WSN of Managua city, capital of Nicaragua, generating a net benefit of 25,518 $/year.