Efficient Approach for the Sectorization of Water Distribution Systems: Integrating Graph Theory and Binary Particle Swarm Optimization

Sabrina da Silva Corrêa Raimundo, Elizabeth Amaral Pastich and Saulo de Tarso Marques Bezerra ()
Additional contact information
Sabrina da Silva Corrêa Raimundo: Graduate Program in Civil and Environmental Engineering, Agreste Campus, Federal University of Pernambuco, Marielle Franco Av., Km 59, Caruaru 55014-900, Brazil
Elizabeth Amaral Pastich: Department of Technology, Agreste Campus, Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife 50670-901, Brazil
Saulo de Tarso Marques Bezerra: Department of Technology, Agreste Campus, Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife 50670-901, Brazil

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 9, 1-19

Abstract: The accelerated expansion of urban areas has significantly increased the complexity of managing water distribution systems. Network sectorization into smaller, independently controlled areas is often highlighted as an important measure to enhance operational security and reduce water losses in networks. However, identifying the optimal sectorization strategy is challenging due to the vast number of possible combinations, and existing methods still present practical limitations. This study proposes a hybrid model for the optimal design of district-metered areas in water distribution systems. The methodology combines graph theory, the Dijkstra shortest path algorithm (DSP), and the meta-heuristic binary particle swarm optimization (BPSO) algorithm. Structuring the topology of the water distribution network using graphs allows the identification of existing connections between the network components. By DSP, the shortest paths from the reservoir to the consumption points were determined, while the proposed BPSO sought the best combination of pipe conditions (open or closed) while meeting the constraint conditions. The application of the model to three real water distribution systems in João Pessoa, in northeastern Brazil, demonstrated its efficiency in sectorization projects, providing optimal solutions that meet the imposed constraints. The results highlight the model’s potential to optimize costs and enhance decision-making in water utility projects.

Keywords: water supply systems; district metered areas; water losses; pressure control; hydraulic efficiency (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
References: Add references at CitEc
Citations:

Downloads: (external link)
https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/17/9/4231/pdf (application/pdf)
https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/17/9/4231/ (text/html)

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:9:p:4231-:d:1650888

Access Statistics for this article

Sustainability is currently edited by Ms. Alexandra Wu

More articles in Sustainability from MDPI
Bibliographic data for series maintained by MDPI Indexing Manager ().