Optimisation of Water Loss Management Strategies: Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis Approaches

Abstract

Water loss in the water distribution systems (WDS) is a challenge to many water authorities in the world but the problem is crucial in the less developed countries. The effect of water losses in the WDS includes the reduction in the revenue and availability of water, interruption in the quality of water, and inflation of the operation and maintenance cost of the water authorities. Using data from the Moshi Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Authority (MUWSA) Tanzania, an assessment of strategies used for water loss management (WLM) was carried out through an integrated model of Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) and Integer Linear Programming (ILP) which is an optimisation technique. The family of MCDM methods, Multi-Attribute Value Theory (MAVT), Simple Multi-Attribute Rating Technique Exploiting Ranks (SMARTER), and Simple Additive Weighting (SAW) were employed to assess and prioritise the strategies while the ILP was used to formulate a decision model. The model was used to select a portfolio of the best strategies. Sixteen strategies were identified. The results show that the comparison between the bulk meter and customers' meter on detecting the physical or apparent losses was ranked as the best strategy in managing the loss while the network zoning was ranked as the worst strategy. The model selected thirteen out of sixteen strategies to form the portfolio of the best strategies to be employed by the MUWSA for water loss management. Furthermore, the model was found to be robust as the selected portfolio of strategies remained the same even when the weights of the criteria were changed. The developed model in this study will assist the decision-makers to assess, prioritise and choose the best strategies for reducing or controlling water loss in the distribution system.

Water Supply Network Renewal Strategic Planning Utilizing the VIKOR Method

“…In addition to the global issue of water scarcity [5], water supply system management faces significant challenges, notably the reduction of water losses within distribution networks [6]. These challenges are particularly acute in less developed countries, as they result in reduced revenue for water utilities (when water losses imply water supply reductions, for limited water availability), compromise water quality, and escalate operational and maintenance costs [5]. Water consumers expect uninterrupted access to water of appropriate quality and pressure, 24/7, 365 days a year [7].…”

A Strategy to Assess Water Meter Performance

“…A long-known fact is that reducing apparent losses caused by meter inaccuracies can result in substantial short-term increases in utility revenue and lead to increasingly equitable service charges for long-term water consumers (Richards et al 2010;Kadenge et al 2020). The accurate measurement of the water collected by meters is crucial in reducing any uncertainty affecting the water balance and has significant technical and economic implications (Pacheco et al 2020).…”