preprints.org > engineering > civil engineering > doi: 10.20944/preprints202312.2249.v1

Preprint Review Version 1 Preserved in Portico This version is not peer-reviewed

Version 1 : Received: 28 December 2023 / Approved: 29 December 2023 / Online: 29 December 2023 (11:27:56 CET)

Effective management of water distribution systems requires an integrated approach, but none of the available frameworks for one are in broad use in the water supply industry. Frameworks developed include a management standard of the American Water Works Association and Distribution System Optimization, a methodology for physical, hydraulic, and water quality performance assessment. The intelligent systems framework also offers a pathway to integration, but it lacks a definite structure. The voluntary aspect of adopting innovations within the fragmented and unregulated nature of the water utility industry poses a barrier to adoption of such innovations. Another barrier is the uncoordinated arrangements of water research stakeholders with different incentive structures. Intelligent water systems offer a way to incentive utilities to encourage implementation. They can provide a bottom-up approach where utilities see advantages, as opposed to a top-down approach where they are expected to adopt a method without seeing clear benefits. Research to develop new and improved tools is needed, but the research roadmap should prioritize implementation.

Distribution systems; management; integratin; optimization

Engineering, Civil Engineering

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