Advances in water distribution networks

This Editorial presents a representative collection of 10 papers, presented in the Special Issue on Advances in Water Distribution Networks (WDNs), and frames them in the current research trends. Four topics are mainly explored: simulation and optimization modelling, topology and partitioning, water quality, and service effectiveness. As for the first topic, the following aspects are dealt with: pressure-driven formulations, algorithms for the optimal location of control valves to minimize leakage, benefits of water discharge prediction for the remote real time control (RTC) of valves, and transients generated by pumps operating as turbines (PATs). In the context of the second topic, a topological taxonomy of WDNs is presented, and partitioning methods for the creation of district metered areas (DMAs) are compared. With regards to the third topic, the vulnerability to trihalomethane is assessed, and a statistical optimization model is presented to minimise heavy metal releases. Finally, the fourth topic focusses on estimation of non-revenue water (NRW), inclusive of leakage and unauthorized consumption, and on assessment of service under intermittent supply conditions.