Optimal operation of multiquality water distribution systems: unsteady conditions

This paper describes the methodology and application of a genetic algorithm scheme tailor-made to EPANET, for optimizing the operation of a water distribution system under unsteady water quality conditions. The water distribution system consists of sources of different qualities, treatment facilities, tanks, pipes, control valves, and pumping stations. The objective is to minimize the total cost of pumping and treating the water for a selected operational time horizon, while delivering the consumers the required quantities at acceptable qualities and pressures. The decision variables for each of the time steps that encompass the total operational time horizon include: the scheduling of the pumping units, settings of the control valves, and treatment removal ratios at the treatment facilities. The constraints are: head and concentrations at the consumer nodes, maximum removal ratios at the treatment facilities, maximum allowable amounts of water withdrawals at the sources, and returning at the end of the operational time horizon to a prescribed total volume in the tanks. The model is explored through two example applications.