Water Quality Sensor Placement: A Multi-Objective and Multi-Criteria Approach

To satisfy their main goal, namely providing quality water to consumers, distribution networks (WDNs) need be suitably monitored. Only well designed and reliable monitoring data enables WDN managers make sound decisions on systems. In this belief, utilities worldwide have invested in acquisition However, good needs optimal sensor placement presents a multi-objective problem where cost are conflicting objectives (among others). paper, we address the solution by integrating simulations using EPANET-MSX, with two optimization techniques. First, is used build Pareto front of non-dominated solutions relating contamination detection time probability cost. assist decision makers selection an that provides best trade-off for utility, multi-criteria decision-making technique then twofold objective: 1) cluster according network sensitivity entropy as evaluation parameters; 2) rank within each provide deeper insight into when considering utility perspectives.The clustering process, which considers features related available information, helps select useful from front. Thus, while several works stop at optimization, work goes step further reduced simplified highlighted. The proposed methodology uses NSGA-II algorithm solve problem, performed through ELECTRE TRI. developed applied very well-known benchmarking WDN, usefulness approach shown. final results, correspond four clusters, during planning development projects sensors. obtained clusters exhibit distinctive features, opening ways project prioritize most convenient solution, assurance implementing Pareto-optimal solution.