Optimized DMA Partition to Reduce Background Leakage Rate in Water Distribution Networks

In recent years, pressure management based on district metering areas (DMAs) has played an irreplaceable role in background leakage reduction in water distribution networks (WDNs). To further improve DMA management, this paper describes a novel sectorization method to optimize the reduction of background leakage. First, the network trunk mains are optimally selected using a proposed evaluation index which contains three reference indicators and the resulting isolated regions are identified through graph theory algorithm. Meanwhile, a modified community detection algorithm is adopted to partition the oversized regions considering both elevation uniformity within DMAs and demand uniformity across DMAs. Then the optimal layout of flow meters (i.e., inlet pipes) and gate valves is achieved by solving a two-objective optimization for minimizing the number of flow meters and cumulative pressure differences compared with critical points in each DMA. Finally, pressure-reducing valves (PRVs) are installed in every inlet pipe and optimized to reduce leakage. The overall procedure is applied to a medium-sized network. The results reveal that the proposed sectorization methodology combined with pressure management can efficiently reduce leakage by controlling excess hydraulic capacity.