Modelling of demand and losses in real-life water distribution systems

Abstract Despite the rapid development of modelling methods in the water industry, some problems of water distribution network modelling are still unresolved, such as how to represent adequately real demand and losses. Both are dependent upon service pressure, yet the relationship is not fully known. The paper discusses various proposals and shows how the modelling procedure could be improved – if that relationship were known. A case from practice is included for illustration. It describes how a real emergency was analysed on the model with the help of the local staff and using past experience. A few suggestions for further work are included at the end of the paper.