A Hybrid Optimization Approach for a Continuous and Efficient Pump Operation Scheduling in Water Supply Systems

Solving the pump scheduling problem in Water Supply Systems (WSS) is essential for reducing energy costs and ensuring operational efficiency. This study applies the Smart Dynamic Local Search (Smart-DLS), a hybrid optimization framework, as a decision support tool to reduce the costs of five days of continuous pumping operation in a real WSS. Smart-DLS integrates deterministic local search with an intelligent shaking process, enhancing solution robustness and scalability while efficiently exploring the solution space. The results demonstrate that Smart-DLS achieved an approximately 19% cost reduction while ensuring tank-level compliance and offering flexible solutions that balance cost efficiency and pump wear reduction. These outcomes demonstrate the Smart-DLS as an effective decision support tool for real-time WSS optimization.