Chemical Water Stability in Optimal Operation of Water Distribution Systems with Blended Desalinated Water

Abstract

This work presents a model for the inclusion of chemical water stability in optimizing the operation of water distribution systems. When desalinated water is mixed with surface water and/or groundwater, the blend can become chemically unstable. Such a state can cause the phenomena of “red water,” an increase in corrosion rates, and a reduction in disinfection efficiency. In this study, a methodology is developed that links a genetic algorithm, a hydraulic and water quality extended period simulator, a numerical scheme for computing the calcium carbonate precipitation potential (CCPP) [the quantitative measure of the precise thermodynamic potential of a solution to precipitate (or dissolve)