Exploring the Impact of Pulsed Demand Model on the Quality Sensor Placement in Water Distribution Networks

In this work, the impact of the actual pulsed nature of demand on the water quality sensor placement problem was investigated. The optimization was carried out by minimizing alternatively the extent of contamination and exposed population to ingestion by considering two alternative demand modelling conditions: (i) a smooth top-down deterministic approach (TDA), and (ii) a pulsed demand bottom-up stochastic approach (BUA). An Italian water distribution network was tested, and results show that the contamination extension and sensor locations are affected by demand modeling and that monitoring system performance may be overestimated if the deterministic approach is used, leading to dangerous management choices.