Operation of water distribution systems using risk-based decision making

This paper presents an application of a risk-based methodology to the operation of Water Distribution Systems (WDS) under failure conditions. Information gathered from the field, including near real-time pressure and flow data and customer contacts, is combined in order to identify the most likely locations of burst pipes. Furthermore, the impact of potential failures is evaluated using a set of proposed operational impact factors based on the outputs from a pressure-driven hydraulic model coupled with a Geographic Information System (GIS) and a discolouration model. The methodology enables WDS operators to investigate failures based not only on the information about the likelihood of occurrence, but as also based on the impact the failures might cause. The risk-based decision making is illustrated on a semi-real case study and set into a broader context of a decision support system helping WDS operators to prioritize actions when abnormal situations arise. One of the main benefits of the methodology presented here is that it enables operators to become more effective and efficient in handling these situations.