Water Quality Model Calibration by Means of Fast Messy Genetic Algorithm

A water quality model is to predict water quality transport and fate throughout a water distribution system. The model is not only a promising alternative for analyzing disinfectant residuals in a cost-effective manner, but also a means of providing enormous engineering insights into the characteristics of water quality variation and constituent reactions. However, a water quality model is a reliable tool only if it predicts what a real system behaves. This paper presents a methodology based upon fast messy genetic algorithm that enables a modeler to efficiently calibrate a water quality model such that the field observed water quality values match with the model simulated values. The approach is integrated with a well-developed hydraulic and water quality modeling system. It provides a generic tool for engineers to construct the sound water quality model in expedient manner. The method is applied to a water system and demonstrated that a water quality model can be effectively calibrated for managing adequate water supply for water utilities.