Network Analysis and Visualizations of Water Resources Infrastructure in California: Linking Connectivity and Resilience

Abstract

Connectivity is important to the structure and function of systems. In water infrastructure systems, connections between components determine flow patterns and operational flexibility. Network theory can provide tools to assess and view connectivity in water resource networks that augment current methods in water resource systems analysis. This paper presents an analysis of connectivity and resilience in the network of California’s water resources infrastructure using network theory visualization and metrics. Applying these techniques to a link-node network used in a statewide hydroeconomic model of water management in California, the analysis shows how such metrics are useful to describe aspects of connectivity and identify important system components. Both the entire system and the San Francisco Bay Area subsystem are analyzed using measures of centrality, spacing, and linkage. The analysis also assesses the effects of network degradation by removing selected components, revealing complex relationships between connectivity, efficiency, and central dominance. The results demonstrate tools to understand network structure in California’s water system. Finally, insights are presented from the analysis in the context of the broader literature on resilience in engineered and environmental systems.