Network model for urban water supply system including desalination and wastewater renovation

Abstract

Most urban areas are facing an ever increasing demand for fresh water due to population and industrial growth. The paper presents a network programming model to evaluate alternatives for supplying water from various sources - treated fresh water, desalinated sea water and renovated waste water - to satisfy future demands for multiple water use in costal cities at minimum cost. Water demand projections for municipal, industrial, agricultural and recreational use are specified in terms of their geographical locations, quantity and quality specifications for a future date. Costs of water to match these demands from different sources and by desalination and renovation are assumed known. The network programming computer model can accommodate non - linear costs of water development, treatment and conveyance and uses an iterative technique to obtain a minimum cost solution. The network model described to other areas such as waste disposal and water pollution control. Solid waste management, air pollution control, pipeline optimization and transportation studies.