Water utilities and developer

Water supply

Optimisation of water distribution systems

As water distribution networks expand to meet the increasing demands of growing communities and industry, planners and engineers are faced with the complex task of supplying the additional resource in the most economical and cost effective way possible. The same is also true of new developments, though the complexities are fewer when designing the entire system from ‘bottom up’.

Traditionally the engineer has identified additions/enhancement to the network which provide good solutions but these have rarely been optimised.

The seemingly infinite range of possible, and sensible, combinations of pipe materials, routes and diameters; treatment works, reservoir and pumping station locations and capacities; etc make the task of finding the optimum solutions daunting. Added to this are the operational parameters which have significant impact on whole life costs: pressure zone boundaries; control valve settings; pump operating schedules etc.

While a common sense approach can dismiss many of the possible combinations as being unrealistic or uneconomical, the sheer number of remaining combinations require the application of advanced numerical techniques to narrow the search for the most optimal solutions.

In recognition of this, Halcrow have established a strategic partnership with Optimatics Pty Ltd. of Adelaide, Australia who have pioneered the application of Genetic Algorithms to the specific problems of water distribution network optimisation.

The Optimatics Genetic Algorithm (OGA) is a mathematical tool which helps planners and engineers make complex design and operational decisions. It uses a hydraulic model to analyse a huge number of alternatives to identify the optimal solutions.

This world-leading research was first developed at Adelaide University in 1990. Combined with Halcrow’ extensive experience in network analysis, design and management, it can bring measurable efficiencies to the development, reinforcement and expansion of water distribution infrastructure.

Optimatics have successfully completed distribution systems optimisation studies which resulted not only in significant cost savings but also improved system hydraulic performance.

Several of the latest optimisation studies illustrate how powerful the technique can be. In comprehensive water master plan studies for Detroit (MI), Albuquerque (NM), Grand Prairie (TX), Reno-Sparks (NV) and Toronto-York (Ontario), the Optimatics GA has been/is being applied to optimize water sources (water purchases, treatment plant expansions and well production), system interconnections, transmission and distribution mains, ground and elevated storage, flow control and pressure regulators, and pumping operations to simultaneously minimize capital improvement costs and long-term operating costs.

Typically an optimised design is around 10 - 40% less expensive to implement than alternative designs developed using traditional methods. In addition, the designs can be focused on delivering more reliability, greater flexibility, higher levels of robustness and streamlined operational procedures. These features of a smart design can minimise security risks to the network because they provide scope to isolate damaged zones and to re-route water through alternative pipes.

For further information on Optimatics and for more details on the above projects please contact us.