Determination of economic loss levels in water distribution systems with different network conditions by a district stochastic optimization algorithm

Water losses in water distribution systems reach significant rates depending on the network characteristics. Various methods, which have initial investment and operating costs, have been applied to reduce these losses. Therefore, appropriate and applicable methods should be preferred by considering the network characteristics. The aim of this study is to determine the economic loss level with an optimization algorithm for utilities with different network characteristics, water production, operating costs and institutional capacity. Three pilot utilities with different system characteristics and water loss components were selected as application areas. The non-revenue water rates are currently calculated as 57%, 50% and 37%, respectively. The economic loss levels in the pilot utilities were calculated as 29%, 16% and 23% with the optimization model. Moreover, the most appropriate methods to be applied according to the conditions of the utilities were determined in order to reach these defined economic loss levels. It is thought that the results obtained from this study will be a reference for the development of sustainable water loss management strategies and their implementation in the field. HIGHLIGHTS The economic loss level was analyzed with an optimization algorithm.; The economically recoverable loss volume was determined.; The economic loss levels were defined with different networks/system characteristics.; The developed model was tested with field data.; The most suitable water loss prevention methods were determined.;