Optimal Design of District Metering Areas for the Reduction of Leakages

The division of water distribution networks (WDNs) into district metering areas (DMAs) is a challenging issue and can be effective for analysis, planning, and management purposes. This contribution proposes a novel two-step strategy for DMA planning. The first step is optimal segmentation design by maximizing the WDN-oriented modularity index versus minimizing the number of conceptual cuts (i.e., not accounting for devices). The second step is the actual optimal DMA design, returning the positions of flow meters and closed valves at the conceptual cuts. Since closed valves change the system’s hydraulic paths, the implementation of DMAs could allow reductions in pressure and leakages through the WDN. Optimal DMA design is therefore achieved by solving a three-objective optimization minimizing the number of flow meters and total unsupplied customer demand while maximizing the reduction of background leakages; thus, pressure-driven modeling is mandatory. The effectiveness and flexibility of the procedure is demonstrated using the Apulian and Exnet networks. Results shows that DMA implementation can allow leakage reduction in systems with excess hydraulic capacity.