A Mixed Integer Approach for Obtaining Unique Solutions in Source Inversion of Drinking Water Networks1

Presidential Decision Directive 63 identified water systems as one of the critical infrastructures to the United States. Following this directive and the passing of The Public Health, Security, and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act there has been increased research effort in both assessing the vulnerability of drinking water systems and proposing protection measures. Drinking water networks are vulnerable to chemical and biological contamination. While physical security is being used to limit access to some potential contamination locations, due to the distributed nature of drinking water networks, many locations remain unprotected. One proposed method of protection is the installation of an early warning detection system. Sensors installed at various locations throughout the drinking water network could warn utilities companies in the event of a contamination.